THE IRON PILLAR

THE IRON PILLAR
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IRON PILLAR AT NEW DELHI

In the capital of India – New Delhi, is situated a place called meharauli. This place is famous not because of the nature’s beauty but because of the Iron pillar. It was built as a memorial to a King named Chandra.

The height of this massive pillar is 22ft. It has a diameter of about 4 and half feet and is a solid shaft of wrought iron with an ornamental top. Its metallurgical skill speaks volumes for the workers and the era in which it was constructed. Scholars believe that it must have been constructed in the 5th century.

Iron pillar attracts attention not because of the ancient time in which it was ,constructed, but because of its unimpairment. Despite years of exposure to wind and rain it has not rusted or has even weakened.

Many theories have been put forward regarding the pillar not having rusted. The most acceptable theory is that of Erich Von Daniken. In his book ” chariots of god “, he has written that structures like pyramids, and Iron Pillar could not have been constructed or built without the “Super Intelligent” forces.

Any how, the theory is something which is open to criticism. The startling fact is that how can the Iron pillar stand there so strongly without any patch of rust, even though scientific tests have proved that the iron used is not hundred percent pure. And when science fails, the myths and legends obviously take birth.

Over the years, myths have surrounded this pillar too. It is said that if anyone is able to encircle the pillar, that person is supposed to be very fortunate. Perhaps, some have succeeded in encircling it or perhaps, some day someone will be able to.

It is true that the actual nature of the material used has not been known. But this also does not mean that science should give way to myths and suppositions. Science is getting modernized day by day. May be some day scientists will be able to know the true nature of the metal from which the column is made of. And the curtain of mystery would be raised away from the dark, tall round Iron Pillar.