The iron pillar (Kirti Stambha) in the outskirts of Delhi attracts scientists' attention due to its high resistance to corrosion. The iron pillar is a 7-m (23 ft) high column, erected in the 3rd-4th century under the rule of King Chandragupta II to honour Lord Vishnu. It is currently located in the Qutb complex at Mehrauli in Delhi.
Because of its high resistance to corrosion, the pillar proves the high level of skill achieved by the ancient Indian iron smiths. A thin layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate hydrate formed on the high-phosphorus-content iron protects the pillar from the humidity. The Kirti Stambha is made of iron so pure that no one knows how they cast it. Some even say that it was made of some futuristic non-earthly metal brought by aliens. The pillar also carries a number of interesting inscriptions and graffiti, some of which haven't been decoded yet.
This amazing monument to ancient metallurgy can be visited at any time, just try to avoid monsoon from July through mid-September.
Practical info
What is the age of the iron pillar of Delhi?
The Kirti Stambha, also known as the iron pillar of Delhi, stands at a height of 7 metres (23 feet) tall and was constructed during the Gupta dynasty in the 3rd-4th century CE. It is known for its impressive level of preservation considering its age of over 1,600 years and is located in the Qutb Complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, which boasts several other significant historical monuments such as the Alai Darwaza, and the tombs of Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji. Show more
What accounts for the iron pillar's resistance to corrosion?
The iron pillar of Delhi is widely known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion despite its age of over 1,600 years. Iron smiths of ancient India created wrought iron with a high content of phosphorus, which aided in the formation of a protective layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate hydrate. The inscriptions on the pillar reveal the involvement of the Mauryan Empire and Chandragupta II, but the protective layer has preserved the intricate carvings and engravings. Show more
How high is the iron pillar in Delhi?
Within the Qutb Complex at Mehrauli in Delhi stands the Kirti Stambha or iron pillar of Delhi. The 7 metre (23 feet) high column was constructed during the Gupta dynasty between the 3rd to 4th centuries CE, and has several inscriptions in sanskrit language. It is a unique work of art, known for its ornate carvings and engravings, and has survived for centuries despite its age. Show more
What do the inscriptions on the iron pillar signify?
Several inscriptions mark the Kirti Stambha in the Qutb Complex at Mehrauli, Delhi, primarily in Sanskrit, describing the repair work carried out on a nearby tank. One of these inscriptions credits King Samudragupta's reign as the time of the repairs, indicating that the pillar's erection happened between 375 and 413 CE. Additionally, there are several mentions of the Mauryan Empire and Chandragupta II, as well as some early invasions by the Islamic armies. Show more
Where is the iron pillar of Delhi located?
The iron pillar of Delhi, also known as Kirti Stambha, is located in the Qutb Complex in Mehrauli, Delhi. The column stands at 7 metres (23 feet) tall and houses several inscriptions in Sanskrit language. The Qutb Complex surrounds the pillar with structures like the Alai Minar, Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, the tombs of Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji, etc., and is conveniently accessible by means of transport such as private cars, public transportations or guided tours. Show more
