History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c26.s2.30

v2.c26.s2.30

One of the most interesting objects connected with this mosque is the iron pillar which stands in its courtyard (Woodcut No. 373). It stands 22 ft. above the ground, and as the depth under the pavement is now ascertained to be only 20 in., the total height is 23 ft. 8 in.¹ Its diameter at the base is 16.⁴ in., and at the capital 12.05 in. The capital is 3½ ft. high, and is sharply and clearly wrought into the Persian form that makes it look as if it belonged to an earlier period than it does; and it has the amalaka moulding, which is indicative of considerable antiquity. It has not, however, been yet correctly ascertained what its age really is. There is an inscription upon it, but without a date. From the form of its alphabet, Prinsep ascribed it to the 3rd or 4th century;² Bhau Daji, on the same evidence, to the end of the 5th or beginning of the 6th century.³ My own conviction is that it belongs to one of the Chandra Râjas of the Gupta dynasty, either consequently about A.D. 370 or A.D. 415.