More research needed on Delhi Iron Pillar: experts

March 19, 2005

HinduThought, Srinivasan Kalyanaraman

<kalyan97@g...> wrote:

New Delhi, Mar 13 : The Delhi Iron Pillar, which has withstood

corrosion for over 1,600 years, continues to attract the attention

of archaeologists and scientists who want to undertake a systematic

study to unfold the secret behind its strength.

A panel of scientists from across the country has recommended that

the Government allow research on the pillar, a symbol of Indian

metallurgical excellence, to ascertain its age, as well as for

conservation of its underground part and the passive film that has

preserved it through the ages.

"The Archaeological Survey of India has agreed to allow the use of

well-established non-invasive techniques to ascertain as to when was

the pillar built and its material aspects. But the efficacy of the

techniques should be established by testing other ancient iron

objects such as Iron Pillar at Dhar and Iron Beams at Konark,", Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Dr Baldev Raj,

who was a member of the panel that made the recommendations, said.

The panel had gathered here to review the status of scientific

research on the pillar and make recommendations to the Government to

initiate systematic scientific studies to gain more information

about it.

Earlier studies, beginning in 1961, have thrown some light on the

composition and the microstructure of the "rustless wonder", but

difference versions exist on the scientific dating of the pillar,

Professor R Balasubramaniam, a scientist at IIT Kanpur who has

conducted extensive research on the pillar, said. PTI

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