The Column of Chandragupta, which is part of the famous architectural ensemble Qutb Minar, located about 20 kilometers south of Old Delhi, is called the Indian wonder of the world. An iron vertical pillar with a height of 7 meters and a weight of 6.5 tons has stood here for many centuries and has not yet become a victim of corrosion.
The column was erected in 415 in honor of one of the most powerful rulers of India - Chandragupta II, who died in 413. It was originally located in the west of the country in the Vishnu temple complex in the city of Mathura. In the XIII century, the temple was destroyed by order of the first Delhi Sultan and the column was transported to Delhi.
Many are surprised by the fact that Chandragupta's column was able to survive to this day and almost did not rust. There was an assumption that the pillar was made of meteoric iron, but then nickel should have been present in its composition, but it was not there.
The opinion that non-standard iron ore was used to make the column was not popular for long, as no evidence of this was found. However, just as in the case of "special climatic conditions", because almost in the middle of its existence, the column changed its location.
Another version of the solution was the assumption that people who came to worship the great Delhi Pillar wiped the column with oils and incense. But in this theory it is difficult to explain the fact that the upper part of the pillar is perfectly preserved.
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Ufologists believe that the origin of this iron structure was not without the help of other civilizations, since it is impossible to explain how the masters of the 5th century managed to create such an iconic and durable masterpiece.
It was simply unrealistic to accidentally create a prototype of modern weather-resistant steels. The blacksmith obviously knew his business, but how he could get such valuable knowledge is a mystery that causes a lot of disagreements in the ranks of scientists and historians. But none of the hypotheses has yet been officially approved.
A little more history and facts about the Delhi Pillar
Tourists who are going on an exciting journey across the vastness of India can touch the magical Delhi Pillar for 250 rupees, which will fulfill any desires. There is an architectural monument in the Qutub complex, which is located next to the ruins of Kuvwat-ul-Islam, a Muslim mosque.
History and facts
The column was made and installed in the 5th century, around 376-415. Dedicated to Emperor Chandragupta II, who belonged to the Gupta dynasty, and ruled part of North India. The Delhi pillar symbolizes the victory over the Asian peoples, so it was decorated with a statue of the bird-god Garuda.
Scientists are surprised by the fact that the architectural monument, which is more than 1600 years old, is not covered with corrosion. British researchers decided to conduct experiments to explain this phenomenon, and took a sample from the column. The material in the test tube began to rust, so the British came to the conclusion that the special magnetic field protecting the Delhi Pillar was to blame.
It is mentioned that in the 18th century a cannon was fired at the monument, but only an inconspicuous dent remained on it. Chemists explain the absence of corrosion on the iron column by special climatic conditions, due to which oxidative processes occur in a slowed down mode. Ufologists tend to assume that this monument is a gift to earthlings from alien civilizations, so it is endowed with miraculous properties.
The column is 98% iron, and was previously thought to be solid. Modern scholars have advanced the theory that the Delhi Pillar was created from individual slabs held together with lead layers and welding. How the ancient Indians knew this technology remains a mystery.
Myths and legends
Why do thousands of tourists and pilgrims go to the iron monument? It's all about its healing power. There is an opinion that it is enough for a person to press his back tightly to the column, at the same time embracing it with his arms and closing them in a lock, and then his cherished desire will come true, or the disease will disappear. Russian scientists attributed this anomaly to a strong energy field. It energizes people by closing “holes” in the aura, so visitors feel refreshed and recover quickly.
Having studied the composition of the Delhi Pillar, some representatives of the scientific world came to the conclusion that this historical monument could have been forged by aliens and left on Earth as a sign. Alien visitors have added meteorite particles to the iron, so it is not afraid of corrosion and mechanical damage.
There is another scientific version that the column is the creation of the hands of an ancient mysterious civilization that disappeared without leaving any reminders of itself, except for the Sanskrit inscription and the unique composition of the monument. After all, no one can explain how uneducated people from the 5th century could get such pure, with a minimum of impurities, iron and make parts of an architectural monument from it.
It is believed that the ancient Indians performed rituals at the column, worshiped the deity, and in order to appease the celestials, they smeared its surface with oils and incense, which is why it has been so well preserved in the 21st century.
Biruni, in his notes dated 1048, mentions the Delhi pillar, and gives a legend about its appearance. The Persians, led by Tubba, conquered India, and cast a column from their swords, symbolizing their desire to stay on this land. The 7-meter building was associated by the conquerors with fertility and wealth.
The Delhi Pillar was included in the list of 7 modern wonders of the world, so the controversy over its origin will not subside for a long time. Perhaps, after years of research, humanity will be able to find out which civilization created this historical monument, and why. But now the Kutubov column is just another mystery, to which there are no answers.