The Mehrauli Iron Pillar in Delhi is primarily famous among historians for its:
Correct Answer: Excellent quality steel
Subject: history
- Unmatched height
- Excellent quality steel
- Gold plating
- Ashokan edicts
Explanation: • Mehrauli Iron Pillar — 7 metres tall, 6 tonnes — near Qutb Minar, Delhi
• Erected by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (~4th–5th century AD)
• Famous for: Rust-free for 1,600+ years — metallurgical marvel
• Sanskrit inscription mentions King 'Chandra' — identified as Chandragupta II
• Secret: Unique iron-hydrogen phosphate hydrate (misawite) protective layer
• Contains 98% pure wrought iron — proof of Gupta-era advanced metallurgy
• Originally erected at Udayagiri (near Sanchi), moved to Delhi by medieval rulers