Strange metal structure 'that defies rules of science' found in ancient ruins
The enigma surrounding an "awe-inspiring" metal column that has baffled experts for over a century has been unravelled at last.
Unlike other metals with iron content, it remains resistant to rust.
This contradicts our fundamental understanding of metal, which is notoriously vulnerable to the elements – prone to forming a reddish-brown iron oxide coating even when exposed to a minimal amount of water.
?
It is quite evident that neither of these hypotheses has reaped any benefits. Rather, the structure's immense power stems from the expertise of ancient Indian craftsmen.
Scientists thoroughly studied the pillar to understand the intricate chemical processes occurring beneath its unremarkable grey appearance.
Yes, they showed us exactly how the miracle was created.
The column stretches to about 7.3 metres (close to 24 feet) in height and a diameter of 41.6cm (almost 16.4 inches) at its midpoint, narrowing to about 30.5cm (12 inches) at the top, where an ornament is positioned.
reports.
In the year 1333, the renowned Moroccan traveller Ibn Battista is believed to have described a magnificent landmark in Delhi, writing: "At the heart of [Delhi] mosque stands an imposing pillar of a metal that is unknown to anyone."
“On of their educated men told me that this is referred to as ‘Haft Jûsh’, which roughly translates to 'seven metals', and is made up of these seven. A small portion, roughly the length of a finger, has been polished, and this polished section radiates a remarkable brightness. Even iron has no discernible effect on it.”
A number of inscriptions are carved into its surface, the earliest of these – a six-line poem – is recorded in the ancient script of Brahmi, referencing a monarch known as Chandra.
Research specialists claim that the poetic style and structure of the Sanskrit text used for this inscription point towards it being most probably written during the period when King Chandragupta II Vikramaditya was in power, which was between 375 and 415 AD.
The inscription portrays the king as a devout worshipper of Vishnu, declaring that it was on a hill known as Viṣṇupada, or "the hill of Viṣṇu's footprint", that the pillar was consecrated in honour of the deity.
The location of this hill remains a matter of discussion, but it is generally agreed that it lies amongst the Udayagiri cave temples of Madhya Pradesh.
What contributed to the pillar's remarkable durability?
Pundits at the University of Delhi noted: “This pillar, celebrated for its intricate design, smooth finish, and resistance to decay, is a notable landmark showcasing an undeniable testament to ancient Indian metalworkers' and engineers' remarkable skill.”
This paper reveals that ancient Indian metalworkers attained an impressive level of purity in their ironwork, with an astonishing 98 per cent achieving remarkable refinement.
.
The heat applied during these processes did not reach a high enough temperature to fully melt the metal, so it was extracted in a "soft, spongy mass" which was then hammered into shape to form the desired items.
The molten metal was then broken up and hammered repeatedly to separate the unwanted slag, creating a series of rounded "pancake" forms in the process.
"The heated iron plates were then stacked on top of one another and joined together by pounding with manually held hammers," they state.
Examination of the microstructure of this forged iron component showed a remarkable combination of characteristics that contributed to its resilience against corrosion.
Furthermore, the hammering process did not remove the slag consistently - it resulted in a scattered, patchy distribution of tiny iron-rich particles throughout the substance.
The scientists claim that this caused a network of electrical conductors, which then triggered a series of chemical reactions.
The corrosion-resistant properties of the iron pillar in Delhi are largely attributed to the method in which it was manufactured. This has resulted in the three-dimensional dispersion of slag inclusions throughout the metal.
The phosphorus in ferric phosphate is oxidised to phosphate, which acts as an inhibitor and helps to form protective oxide films to prevent corrosion.
The protective coating applied to the pillar results in a significant reduction in the rate of deterioration from 0.395 millimetres per annum to 0.040 millimetres per annum.
So there you have it, the mystery solved. But wouldn't a visit from extraterrestrial life have been more thrilling?
Sign up For our complimentary international weekly news digest.
How to join The global world news free WhatsApp channel
Join the discussion about this article in our online news forum.
Post a Comment for "Strange metal structure 'that defies rules of science' found in ancient ruins"