The Iron

Pillar, Delhi

The Iron Pillar of Delhi is one of the most curious monuments of India. It is a forged bar of pure unrusting iron with some other metal-mixtures having nearly 24 feet and weighs six ton. This pillar proves that India's science and civilization at its amazing progress when the rest of the world even not know the word civilization. 

How strong the Iron Pillar is? During the rule of Mohammad Shah (Mohammed Shah was the 13th Mughal emperor from 1719 to 1748), India was invaded by Nadir Shah (Nadir Shah is one of the powerful rulers in the history of Iran country. He  is the founder of Afsharid Dynasty. On the way to expand his kingdom he invaded India and won the battle). Nadir Shah happened to visit Qutub Minar. His attention was diverted to the Iron Pillar. He wanted to have it pulled out, but the pillar was so strong that it could not be uprooted. At last the cannon was fired at it but it left only a slight impression on surface which still can be seen even today. By this we can understand how strong the Iron Pillar is. 

Nadir Shah fired on iron pillar in 1739 in order to divide it into 2 parts - THE STRONG PIllar

 

There are many stories and many statements by different persons behind construction and erection of this pillar. According to Sayyad Ahmad Khan who was an Indian muslim reformer, philosopher and educationalist, this pillar was constructed by Raja Mahadev in 895 B.C. According to Bhau Daji, a Sanskrit Scholar the pillar was built by Maharaja Chandra in honour of god, Vishnu in front of the temple to that god and the pillar is called Vishnu Lath. Some researchers say that the pillar was originally set in the city of Indraprastha in the time Mahabharata. Finally it was brought to Delhi and was set up infront of Vishnu Temple by King Anangpal Tomar 11 century. According to some traditional writings some Prohit told to King Anangpal, "Your empire has become permanent as the pillar rests on the head of Snake Seesh Nag. As long as the pillar exists there would be no harm to your empire. If the pillar is removed then your empire will not last long". But the King decided to test it - he ordered for the removal of the pillar. While removing the lower end of the pillar was seen Blood-stained. Then he tried to refix but he couldn't. It is said that for this reason the Tomar Dynasty did not last long. 

What elements are found in the pillar?

By Sir Robert Henffeld's chemical anlysis of the iron of the pillar - 

Elements	Percentage
Carbon	0.08%
Silicon	0.046%
Sulphur	0.006%
Phosphorous	0.114%
Iron	99.72%