Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c27.s2.t1.2

v1.c27.s2.t1.2

The pillar is 737.5 cm high of which 50 cm is below ground level and 45 cm is surrounded by a stone platform. The diameter of the pillar at the ground level is about 41.6 cm tapering upwards to about 30.4 cm just under the decorative capital which tops the column. Below the ground level, the pillar widens to a diameter of 62 cm. On excavation (Ghosh, 1963), a heavy slab of stone was found horizontally on the stone foundation of the yard; on this slab was a thick lead plate (99.2 % lead with little Cu and Ag) on which the iron pillar rested. The base of the pillar was flat, and eight small projections shaped as the toes of an elephant were seen at equal intervals. These eight iron rods protruded and penetrated into the thick lead plate. The weight of the pillar is estimated to be more than 6096 kg. The top surface is flat and a separate cylinder of solid iron forced into a hollow space provided in the main pillar. The central rectangular slot in the iron cylinder probably served to accommodate flag-staff.