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| The Iron pillar stands within the courtyard of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque | Wikipedia |
The iron pillar of Delhi, India is a 7 meter (22 feet) high pillar next to the Qutub Minar. The pillar was apparently erected at the time of Chandragupta II and is a curiosity because of the composition of the metals used in its construction.
The pillar—almost seven meters (22 feet) high and weighing more than six tons - was allegedly erected at the time of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375–413), though other authorities give dates as early as 912 BCE. It is the only remaining piece of a Hindu and Jain temple complex which stood there from the ruins of the temple. The temple is assumed to be destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak who built the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque around it. The pillar and ruins of the temple stand as still preserved and were not taken in consideration to be demolished by him.
The pillar is 98% wrought iron of pure quality, and is a testament to the high level of skill achieved by ancient Indian ironsmiths. It has attracted the attention of both archaeologists and metallurgists, as it has withstood corrosion for 1600 years, despite harsh weather.
