Question

The iron pillar of the Gupta Period which has not rusted for centuries is at ____
a. Mehrauli
b. Sarnath
c. Rampurva
d. Allahabad

Answer 1

Hint:
- Iron Pillar was installed during the early days of the reign of Gupta (320-495 AD).
- In the third verse of the inscription on the Iron Pillar, scholars found mention of the name "Chandra" which denotes the rulers of the Gupta Dynasty.
- However, there are differences of opinion as to whether the term Chandra reflects King Samudragupta (340-375) or Chandragupta II (375-415) who was the son of King Samudragupta.

Complete step by step solution:
Iron Pillar of Mehrauli, Delhi

- Iron Pillar of Delhi is a historic landmark that charms all with its enigmatic built iron that has not rusted since it was built more than 1600 years ago.
- Despite being placed in the open air, the Iron Pillar still stands firm, providing an outstanding example of the progress of science and engineering in ancient India.
- It has become one of the oldest puzzles in the world that historians and material science are now seeking to solve.


Location?

- Located within the Qutub Complex, where the famed Qutub Minar is also located, Iron Pillar stands majestically at a height of 24 feet.
- It is situated in front of the Quwwat Ul Mosque in the Qutb Complex.
- The iron pillar consists of 6 tonnes of 98% wrought iron, which is often attributed as one of the reasons that this pillar has not rusted.


Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
- Iron Pillar at Mehrauli has a height of 7.2 metres.
- It sits on an artistic foundation with a diameter of 48 cm and a weight of 6.5 tonnes.
- The upper portion of the pillar, which narrows somewhat at the top, is about 29 cm high at the tip.
- The weight of the pillar is more than 5865 kg.