Science or sorcery? The #IronPillar of Delhi had everyone stumped for ages, till scientists solved its metallurgical mystery. The question was: how could an iron pillar be exposed to Delhi’s heat, dust, cold and rains for 1,600 years without the slightest trace of rust? 1/6 
Standing in the Qutb Complex, the #IronPillar is a 4th century CE, Gupta-era monument. An inscription in #Sanskrit and the Brahmi script reveals that it was erected by King Chandra (probably Chandragupta II) and that it celebrates his victories in battle. 2/6
But #DidYouKnow that the #IronPillar was originally erected in Udayagiri, in Vidisha, in present-day Madhya Pradesh? It is said to have been brought to #Delhi as a trophy by Sultan Iltutmish (r. 1211 - 1236) of the Slave Dynasty, after he conquered Vidisha. But there’s more. 3/6
It is also believed that the #IronPillar was brought to Delhi by the Tomar Rajput King Anangapal and founder of Delhi in the 11th century. He may have brought it here to adorn his capital at Lal Kot, the ruins of which are still visible all around. 4/6
The secret of the Iron Pillar’s rust-resistance was unlocked when scientists realised that the process used to make it was too primitive to remove impurities produced by the ‘forge welding’ process. These impurities formed a protective coating and prevented it from rusting. 5/6
Raising pillars was a symbol of victory and like the Iron Pillar, the #QutbMinar too is a victory pillar. Thus, it is only fitting that both these magnificent pillars stand in the same complex today, wowing everyone who sets eyes on them. Read More: livehistoryindia.com/story/monument…
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