Long one of the unexplained wonders of the world, this peculiar item in Delhi has now been analyzed by scientists, who are still amazed that metalworkers in the 4th or 5th century would have had the kind of knowledge required to create it.

Currently theory holds that the pillar was forged during the reign of Chandragupta II, who reigned from 380 to 413 or thereabouts.

And although it is composed of 98% wrought iron, it has sat exposed to the elements for about 1600 years… and it refuses to rust.

Wikipedia explains that “In a report published in the journal Current Science, R. Balasubramaniam of the IIT Kanpur explains how the pillar’s resistance to corrosion is due to a passive protective film at the iron-rust interface. The presence of second-phase particles (slag and unreduced iron oxides) in the microstructure of the iron, that of high amounts of phosphorus in the metal, and the alternate wetting and drying existing under atmospheric conditions are the three main factors in the three-stage formation of that protective passive film.”

Now that’s too many for this Wolf of Very Little Brain, but apparently the early blacksmiths knew how to do something marvelous. Whether it was by design or by happenstance, no one is quite sure. But there it sits, and if history is any indication, it will be there long after my great-great-grandchildren’s great-great-grandchildren have turned to dust.

The Old Wolf has spoken.