Located within the Qutb Minar complex, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the Iron Pillar stands tall and remains a focal point of attention. While the temple was built in the early 13th century, this iron pillar is much older, having been created in the 5th century.
It is incredible to know that since the 5th century, the Indians managed to create this massive iron pillar, which has been exposed to rain and sun for 1,600 years without rusting.
The appearance of the pillar
Weighing 6 tons and standing at 7.2 meters tall, the pillar has stood for 1,600 years while remaining as pristine as the day it was made, despite exposure to environmental factors, including extreme temperatures and increasing pollution in New Delhi, India. The incredible durability of the structure captivates devotees who come to the courtyard of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque to worship.
The origin and legends of the pillar
The iron pillar holds a series of religious and historical mysteries. A widely circulated document suggests that the pillar dates back to the Gupta Empire, likely during the reign of Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, around the 4th and 5th centuries.
According to this account, the pillar was erected in the Varah Temple of the Udayagiri Caves, near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. It resembles a victory monument dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is believed that there was once a statue of Garuda, the mythical eagle associated with Vishnu, on top of the iron pillar, though it has since been lost. However, another hypothesis suggests that the pillar might be related to astronomy or other dynasties in Indian history.
Regardless of its origins, modern Indians still highly value the cultural significance of the pillar and strive to preserve it. A popular legend holds that if a person leans against the pillar and wraps their arms around it, their wish will come true. This tradition is especially cherished by devotees.
So why doesn’t this iron pillar rust?
Typically, iron and metal structures oxidize when exposed to air or moisture. The Eiffel Tower is an example of this; it is protected by a special coating of paint. However, the iron pillar in India does not have such a coating. Indian scientists have been diligently seeking answers to the pillar’s remarkable durability since 1912, but it took nearly a century for them to find a solution.
In 2003, experts at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur announced that they had deciphered the mystery of the iron pillar. Their findings were later published in the journal Current Science.
Scientists discovered that the pillar is primarily made of wrought iron with a high phosphorus content (about 1%). Additionally, this iron lacks sulfur and magnesium, which are present in modern iron. Ancient craftsmen used a technique called forge welding, where they heated and hammered the iron into shape, maintaining the high phosphorus content. This method is no longer used in modern manufacturing.
Metallurgist R. Balasubramaniam, the author of the report, explained that these factors contributed to the pillar’s longevity. A thin layer of a compound made of iron, oxygen, and hydrogen was also found on the pillar’s surface. This layer, formed due to the high phosphorus content, enhanced the pillar’s durability.
Balasubramaniam praised the ingenuity of the ancient craftsmen, asserting that the pillar is a “living testimony” to the metallurgical skills of ancient Indians.
Moreover, the iron pillar is incredibly sturdy. Historical records show that a cannonball struck the pillar in the 18th century, but it did not cause any damage.
Due to these achievements, the pillar has been chosen as a symbol by scientific organizations such as the National Metallurgical Laboratory and the Indian Institute of Metals.
The significance of the miraculous iron pillar
The 1,600-year-old rust-free iron pillar is a remarkable symbol of ancient Indian metallurgy. Using forge welding and high-phosphorus wrought iron, ancient Indians created a structure that has withstood the test of time and environmental impacts. This pillar not only demonstrates superior technical skills but also holds deep historical and cultural value, connecting to the Gupta dynasty and the god Vishnu. Chosen as a symbol by scientific organizations, it inspires significant metallurgical research. Additionally, the legend that it can grant wishes has made the pillar sacred and revered. This iron pillar is not just a technical marvel but also a symbol of perseverance, durability, and timelessness.
The 1,600-year-old rust-free iron pillar is not only a technical marvel but also a symbol of history, culture, and religion. It showcases the ingenuity of ancient Indians and embodies enduring value, inspiring many generations to come.
