Standing Defiantly Stalwart & Untarnished, We're Admiring The Iron Pillar @ Qutub Minar

Picture Credits: Varun Shiva

Hailing from the period before invaders from the West laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate, the Iron Pillar stands out as the perfect example of the complex metallurgical feat that the ancient smiths were capable of achieving! Originally installed near the present day city of Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh (MP), the pillar is ascribed to Chandragupta Maurya based on indirect interpretation of other relics. Read on!

A Brief Background

Around 7.5 metres tall, a metre of which lies below the ground, its original purpose was a sundial, placed at the Tropic of Cancer passing through MP; thus it could have served a crucial purpose in the astronomical research during the Gupta Period. It was originally installed at its present location by the Tomar King Vigraha Raja. The Jain temple complex surrounding the pillar was destroyed by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak while building the Qutub Minar and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque; part of the modern day UNESCO heritage site of the Qutub Complex.

Oh! So Special

Picture Credits: Prasad Pillai

However, what makes the pillar truly unique is that despite its 98% wrought iron composition, its high resistance to corrosion has made it survive over two-and-a-half thousand years, a feat difficult to achieve even with today’s scientific advancements! Researchers conclude a thin film of crystalline rust on the surface owing to the high phosphorous content is what has prevented rusting. Given the extreme weather conditions that Delhi experiences, not to forget the modern day pollution, it's remarkable how the pillar has stood defiant to the changing times.

Popular tradition states that it brings good luck if one can circle and join one’s hands with their back to the pillar, but the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) wisely placed a fence to prevent any damage to the monument. A bit overshadowed by the immensity of the other monuments in the complex, the pillar nevertheless stands out as a testimony of the various ups & downs the city of Delhi has seen!

Key Features

Picture Credits: Matthew Stevens

There are Sanskrit inscriptions in Brahmi Script etched in, some mentioning the Tomar King Anangpal and it's said to weigh more than six tonnes (woah!). The top features a Chakra and together with a base is soldered onto the base pillar. Though rather plain looking to the naked eye, the concepts and the significance revealed in its details captures the essence & the science of the past, making one marvel at the small pillar standing next to the mighty minaret! 

Located in South Delhi next to the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, the monument is easily accessible by public transport. The most convenient option, however, is to take the Hop On Hop Off (HoHo) bus, that goes around a group of monuments around the city, a bus leaving the monument every half an hour, so one can enjoy the architectural intricacies of the complex. Come explore the past here, if you haven't already done so that is but only when it is safe to venture out till then maintain social distancing and stay safe!

Where | Qutub Minar Complex - Seth Sarai, Mehraul