MEHRAULI
INSCRIPTIONS - ART & CULTURE
News:
Mehrauli, an abode of
rich history
What's
in the news?
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Mehrauli is one of the seven important
cities that make up Delhi apart from Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah and
Shahjahanabad. Hidden at every nook and corner are architectural marvels.
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There are a number of tombs of prominent
people from the Sultanate (1206 to 1506) and Mughal (1506 to 1857) era.
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These tombs are usually placed near the
dargah of saints.
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The Mehrauli Iron Pillar was originally
located on a hill near the Beas River and was transported to Delhi by a Delhi king.
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This pillar attributes the victory of the
Vanga Countries to Chandragupta II,
who fought alone against a confederacy of opponents gathered against him.
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It also praises him for defeating the Vakatakas in a battle
that spanned Sindhu's seven mouths.
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The Mehrauli Iron Pillar is a historical
landmark that entices visitors with its intriguing iron structure that has not
corroded since its creation over 1600 years ago.
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Despite being exposed to the elements, the
Iron Pillar remains robust, serving as a great illustration of ancient India's
scientific and engineering progress.
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Archaeologists and materials scientists
are still working to answer one of the world's oldest riddles.
Location:
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Iron Pillar, which rises magnificently at
a height of 24 feet, is located within the Qutub Complex, which also houses the
famed Qutub Minar. It is located in the Qutb
Complex, in front of the Quwwat Ul Mosque.
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It contains verses composed in the Sanskrit language, in shardulvikridit
metre.
Features:
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The pillar's summit is embellished with carvings.
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It also includes a deep hole that is
claimed to be the foundation where Hindu Lord Garuda's statue was placed.
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Inscriptions are engraved onto an iron
pillar.
Period:
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Mehrauli inscription praises the Gupta
emperor Chandragupta Vikramaditya's achievements.
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The iron pillar of Chandragupta dates from
the late fourth to early fifth century
A.D.