Inscriptions on the Iron Pillar



Language: Sanskrit

Category: Evolution of Calligraphy in India

Period:  (300-499) Pre Industrialisation

References: https://www.peepultree.world/livehistoryindia/story/monuments/iron-pillar


Detailed Description

The Iron Pillar, located in New Delhi in the Qutub complex, is notable for the rust-resistant composition of the metals used in its construction. Despite the pillar's obvious location and easy access, it bears a number of inscriptions with varying dates, some of which have not been thoroughly studied. The earliest inscription on the iron pillar is a six-line Sanskrit inscription in archaic Gupta Brahmi script. The inscription, attributed to either Chandragupta Samudragupta or his son Chandragupta II, speaks of the tremendous conquests made by a mighty monarch by the name of Chandra. Because the etched iron is resistant to corrosion, the old writing has been preserved well. However, during the engraving process, iron appears to have closed up over some of the strokes, making some of the letters imperfect.


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