Mystery of Non – Corrosion of Iron Pillar – Qutub Minar
From the pages of Indian Histroy
According to the reports, in 1912, researchers from India and abroad began investigating the iron pillar in Delhi to determine how it has remained corrosion-resistant. In 2003, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur solved the mystery by publishing their findings in the journal Current Science. They revealed that the pillar, primarily composed of wrought iron, possesses a high phosphorus content (approximately 1%) and lacks sulphur and magnesium, unlike modern iron.
Is it possible for an iron structure to withstand such a wide range of elements for 1,600 years without rusting? It seems impossible, given the alleged lack of technology at the time of its construction. But the case of New Delhi’s UNESCO-listed Qutb Minar complex, is not an ordinary one.
Here, when anyone visits, one will immediately spot an imposing 7.2-m, six-ton iron pillar with a decorative top that’s likely much older than the complex. Surprisingly, the pillar has not changed in appearance since its inception, defying both time and the elements, such as the city's rising pollution and scorching temperatures. Dating back to the 5th century, the question arises how has it managed to defy corrosion for so long?
Usually, iron and iron alloy structures when exposed to air or moisture, undergo oxidation over time, resulting in a rust coating unless they are safeguarded, like the Eiffel Tower, with special paint layers.
As per the reports, in 1912, scientists in India and abroad initiated studies on the iron pillar in Delhi to ascertain how it has managed to survive corrosion. The mystery was unravelled in 2003 by experts at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur, who published their findings in the journal Current Science. They revealed that the pillar, primarily composed of wrought iron, possesses a high phosphorus content (approximately 1%) and lacks sulphur and magnesium, unlike modern iron.
Furthermore, it is said that ancient craftsmen employed a technique known as ‘forge-welding,’ preserving the high phosphorus content by heating and hammering the iron, a method rarely seen in contemporary practices. R., an archaeometallurgist, Balasubramaniam, the report's author, asserted that this unconventional approach significantly contributed to the pillar's enduring strength.
If records are to go by, a thin layer of ‘misawite,’ a compound of iron, oxygen, and hydrogen, was also found on the pillar’s surface, which is typically formed catalytically by the presence of high phosphorus in the iron and the absence of lime, thus, further enhancing the pillar’s durability.
Balasubramaniam lauded the metallurgists for their ingenuity, describing the pillar as “a living testament to India’s ancient metallurgical prowess.” Historical records also attest to its durability, as demonstrated by the fact that a cannonball fired at the pillar in the 18th century did not appear to harm it, demonstrating the remarkable strength of this ancient structure. At the moment, scientific institutions like the National Metallurgical Laboratory and the Indian Institute of Metals are represented by the pillar. Apart from its metallurgical intrigue, the origin of the Iron Pillar is also a mystery. As per one account, its origins date back to the Gupta Empire, particularly during Chandragupta II's reign, also known as Vikramaditya, in the 4th and 5th centuries. According to this narrative, the pillar was built in the Varaha Temple of Udayagiri Caves, near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, as a victory monument dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that the pillar once supported Garuda’s statue, Lord’Vishnu's mythical eagle mount, atop it, though this detail has faded from historical records.
Additionally, some historical records credit notable figures like Raja Anangpal of the Tomar dynasty, and Muslim rulers such as Iltutmish and Qutbuddin Aibek, for its relocation in the Qutb complex.
According to one legend, the pillar is also called the wishing pillar, and that if you stand with your back against the pillar and wrap your arms around it, with your fingers touching each other, your wish will come true – a tradition that imbues the pillar with spiritual significance beyond its historical value.
As regarding conservation efforts, the ASI (Archeological Survey of India) has put a fence around the pillar to minimise human impact.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from ANISH MARIK and writers in History and other communities.
Mestre Best: The Warrior Who Taught Restraint
In the mountain city of Valenor, there was a name spoken softly, almost with reverence—Mestre Best. No statues were built in his honor, no songs officially recorded his deeds, yet every fighter, scholar, and traveler knew the legend. Some said he was the greatest master of combat the world had ever seen. Others claimed he was a philosopher disguised as a warrior. The truth was more complex than either tale.
By The best writer 2 days ago in History
Bill Gates — The Architect of the Digital Age
Bill Gates is one of the most influential figures in modern history, a man whose vision helped shape the digital world and whose later life has been devoted to tackling some of humanity’s greatest challenges. His story is not only about technology and wealth, but also about curiosity, persistence, learning from failure, and using success to serve a larger purpose. Early Life: A Curious Mind Takes Shape William Henry Gates III was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, USA. He grew up in a well-educated and supportive family. His father, William H. Gates Sr., was a prominent lawyer, and his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, served on the boards of several major organizations. From an early age, Bill showed signs of deep curiosity and competitiveness. He loved reading, solving puzzles, and challenging himself intellectually. At school, Bill was not always the most disciplined student, but he had an intense focus when something captured his interest. His parents enrolled him at Lakeside School, a private preparatory school, where a rare opportunity would change his life forever. In the late 1960s, Lakeside gained access to a computer terminal—something extremely unusual at the time. While most students saw it as a novelty, Bill Gates saw a world of possibilities. Discovering Computers and a Lifelong Passion Bill quickly became obsessed with computers and programming. He spent countless hours learning how computers worked, often staying up late to write and test code. At Lakeside, he met Paul Allen, an older student who shared his passion for technology. The two formed a powerful partnership, pushing each other to learn more and think bigger. They began writing programs not just for fun, but for real-world use. One of their early projects was a scheduling system for the school. Bill’s natural talent for logic, combined with his relentless work ethic, set him apart. He didn’t just want to understand computers—he wanted to master them. Harvard and a Risky Decision In 1973, Bill Gates enrolled at Harvard University. Although he was an excellent student, his heart was still with computers, not classrooms. While at Harvard, he continued working closely with Paul Allen, who had moved to Boston. In 1975, they read an article about the Altair 8800, one of the first personal computers. Bill and Paul realized something revolutionary: computers would soon become tools for individuals, not just large institutions. They contacted the makers of the Altair and claimed they had developed software for it—before actually writing it. Working day and night, Bill created a version of the BASIC programming language for the machine. It worked, and this success became the foundation of a new company. At just 19 years old, Bill Gates made a bold decision. He dropped out of Harvard to start Microsoft with Paul Allen. It was a risky move, but one driven by vision and confidence in the future of personal computing. Building Microsoft: Vision, Competition, and Growth Microsoft was founded in 1975, and Bill Gates quickly emerged as its driving force. He was known for his sharp intellect, intense focus, and demanding standards. Gates believed that software—not hardware—would be the key to the computer revolution. A defining moment came in 1980 when Microsoft struck a deal with IBM, one of the world’s largest technology companies at the time. Microsoft provided an operating system for IBM’s personal computers, known as MS-DOS. Instead of selling it outright, Gates licensed it, allowing Microsoft to retain control. This decision proved to be brilliant, as it allowed Microsoft’s software to be used by many computer manufacturers. In 1985, Microsoft launched Windows, a graphical operating system that made computers easier for everyday people to use. Over time, Windows became the dominant operating system worldwide. Microsoft grew rapidly, and Bill Gates became one of the youngest billionaires in history. Leadership Style and Challenges Bill Gates was known as a tough leader. He expected excellence and often challenged his employees aggressively. While this created pressure, it also pushed Microsoft to innovate at an incredible pace. Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded into office software, internet technologies, and global markets. However, success brought controversy. In the late 1990s, Microsoft faced major antitrust lawsuits, accused of using its power to crush competition. The legal battles were intense and damaged the company’s public image. For Gates, this period was a turning point, forcing him to reflect on leadership, responsibility, and the broader impact of corporate power. Shifting Focus: From Software to Service In 2000, Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft, handing the role to Steve Ballmer. Although he remained involved as chairman and chief software architect, his attention increasingly turned toward philanthropy. Along with his wife at the time, Melinda Gates, he founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation focused on global health, education, and poverty reduction. Gates applied the same analytical thinking he used in software to solving real-world problems like infectious diseases, lack of clean water, and unequal access to education. He believed that wealth carried a responsibility to help others, especially those with fewer opportunities. A Global Philanthropist Over the years, Bill Gates became one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists. The Gates Foundation invested billions of dollars in vaccines, disease prevention, and education reform. Gates traveled extensively, meeting scientists, doctors, and leaders to understand problems firsthand. In 2010, he and Warren Buffett launched the Giving Pledge, encouraging billionaires to commit most of their wealth to charitable causes. Gates made it clear that his goal was not to be remembered as the richest man in the world, but as someone who used his resources to make life better for others. Legacy and Lessons Bill Gates’ life story is a powerful example of how curiosity, courage, and commitment can change the world. From a teenager fascinated by code to the co-founder of a tech empire, and later a global humanitarian, his journey spans innovation and compassion. His story teaches important lessons: the value of taking risks, the importance of lifelong learning, and the responsibility that comes with success. Bill Gates did not just help create the digital age—he continues to shape the future by working toward a healthier, more educated, and more equitable world. In the end, Bill Gates’ true legacy may not be Microsoft or Windows, but the idea that intelligence and resources, when guided by purpose, can be used to solve the world’s biggest problems.
By The best writer about 5 hours ago in History
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.