Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c27.s2.t3.6

v1.c27.s2.t3.6

Possibly, Bhoja, the king, himself had the pillar erected as a mark of victory. The weight of the pillar is estimated to be seven tons, one ton greater than that of the Delhi iron pillar. The total height has been estimated to be 43' 8" — nearly twice as long as the Delhi iron pillar. It is the largest pillar of its kind, not only in ancient India, but also in the entire ancient world. (Neogi, 1914: 21-26; Sohoni, 1983: 106) The eminent historian, Vincent Smith remarked: "Whilst we marvel at the skill shown by the ancient artificers in forging a great mass of the Delhi pillar, we must give a still greater measure of admiration to the forgotten craftsmen who dealt so successfully in producing the still more ponderous iron mass of the Dhar Pillar monument".