This unusual column is entirely made of iron and is located in the city of Delhi. Its age is estimated at 1600 years, but despite this, no traces of rust were found on its surface, as is often the case with iron products that are outdoors and not covered with anti-corrosion compounds.
The iron pillar in Delhi is 7 meters high and is almost 100% pure iron. A detailed analysis of the composition, carried out by Indian specialists, showed only an insignificant (less than 0.5%) content of nickel and phosphorus in it. This column has a very interesting history. The fact is that she was not always in Delhi, on the territory of the Qutb Minar complex, but was transported there from the city of Mathura. But the exact date of this event is unknown, presumably it happened in the XI-XIII centuries. It is believed that the iron column was erected in 415 in honor of Chandragupta II - the greatest ruler of the Gupta state that existed in the territory of modern India. Initially, there was a bird sculpture at the top of the iron column, but by now the column has lost its decoration.
This column is mentioned as an outstanding structure in the writings of medieval historians and travelers. The British who invaded India were also amazed at this unusual monument of antiquity, which delighted everyone with its preservation. Indeed, at such a venerable age, the iron column had no traces of corrosion, which indicated the incredible knowledge of the ancient masters.
For a long time it was believed that the column was cast from a single piece of iron, but research by scientists has shown that it is most likely made of several separate parts, and the total weight of the column is 6.5 tons. As you know, pure iron is susceptible to corrosion, therefore, in the modern world, it is used in the form of alloys, which contain various components that protect it from moisture and oxygen. Considering the fact that the column has no signs of damage, it was believed for a long time that it was made of a special alloy, the secret of which was known to ancient masters.
But for centuries the myth of the alloy's miraculous anti-corrosion properties has been dispelled by detailed study. It turned out that the part of the column, which is located underground, is exposed to the moisture contained in the soil, it has survived much worse and is corroded by rust. But the above-ground part, according to experts, survived 1600 years without significant damage, due to several factors. The main reason is an oxide film that has formed on the surface of the column, making it chemically inert to atmospheric moisture. The formation of this film was facilitated by particles of phosphorus, which was found in very small quantities in the composition of the column. In addition, Delhi has dry and hot weather for most of the year, and significant rainfall occurs only from July to September.therefore, the top of the column is in contact with moisture for a fairly short time. It turns out that the researchers did not find any miraculous composition or technology of the ancient masters in the iron column, but saw only a chain of facts that all together led to the emergence of the myth of the stainless column.
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Today, a fence has been installed around the famous iron pillar: too many people wanted to touch it, as it was believed that hugs with a pillar bring happiness and fulfill wishes. Nevertheless, it remains one of the places of pilgrimage for Hindus, as well as a popular tourist attraction in the old part of Delhi.
Olga Frolova