Iron Pillar & Arch At Qutub Minar Delhi, 1880 Photo
An 1880 photo of the Iron Pillar and arch at the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi. The most noticeable after viewing the Qutub Minar and the iron pillar are the ruins of the Qutub Mosque or the Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque. Considered the oldest mosque in Northern India. The Iron Pillar is 16 meters in dia. with a height of around 23 feet. It is considered rustless and ageless to this day.
The creator of this pillar was lost in time, there seem to be many theories. One of them is that it was installed by the Tomar Rajput, Anangpal, in the 10th century. Another theory is that there is an inscription on this ancient mast. Which is believed to contain the name “Chandra”, indicating “King Chandra”or “Chandragupta II” as the creator of the pillar. Click on the photo for better view.
Also read Solving The Mystery.
Did you know- previously tourists would rest their backs on the pillar and then encircle it with their arms to see if the fingertips touching each other. This practice was banned in the 1990s and fencing was erected. This was because the surface of the iron showed the formation of light corrosion from human touch.
From the collection- M F Hussain Painting – Air India Advertising Postcard 1960., View Of Mumbai From Malabar Hill – Old Print 1853., Trivandrum Canal Landing Place – Old Postcard 1900., Nawab Of Bhopal’s Vintage Bentley Car – Old Photo 1926 (#2)
