However, during the engraving process, iron appears to have closed up over some of the strokes, making some of the letters imperfect. The ancient writing is preserved well because of the corrosion-resistant iron on which it is engraved. The inscription covers an area of 2′9.5″ × 10.5″. The oldest inscription on the pillar is that of a king named Chandra ( IAST: Candra), generally identified as the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. Inscription of King Chandra or Chandragupta II ĭetail showing the inscription of King Chandragupta II The pillar carries a number of inscriptions of different dates, some of which have not been studied systematically despite the pillar's prominent location and easy access. The corrosion resistance results from an even layer of crystalline iron(III) hydrogen phosphate hydrate forming on the high- phosphorus-content iron, which serves to protect it from the effects of the Delhi climate. The pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and materials scientists because of its high resistance to corrosion and has been called a "testimony to the high level of skill achieved by the ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of iron". It is estimated to weigh more than six tonnes (13,228 lb). Its bell pattern capital is 306 mm (12 in). The height of the pillar, from the top to the bottom of its base, is 7.21 m (23 ft 8 in), 1.12 m (3 ft 8 in) of which is below ground. The iron pillar stands within the courtyard of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
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