NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

mcqeasy

With reference to the famous pillar at Mehrauli, which of the following statements is incorrect?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIt is known for its high resistance to corrosion.
BIt is constructed primarily of bronze and copper.
CIt was manufactured approximately 1500 years ago.
DIt bears an inscription mentioning a ruler named Chandra.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is It is constructed primarily of bronze and copper..

Explanation

The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, is a significant archaeological evidence of the advanced metallurgical skills possessed by Indian craftsmen during the Gupta period. Standing near the Qutub Minar, it is renowned for its composition and preservation.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement It was manufactured approximately 1500 years ago. is Correct: The pillar is estimated to have been manufactured approximately 1500 to 1600 years ago, dating back to the Gupta period (circa 4th–5th century CE).
Statement It bears an inscription mentioning a ruler named Chandra. is Correct: The pillar bears a Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script which mentions a ruler named 'Chandra'. This ruler is historically identified with Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE) of the Gupta dynasty.
Statement It is constructed primarily of bronze and copper. is Incorrect: The pillar is not made of bronze or copper. It is composed almost entirely of wrought iron (over 98% pure iron). Its survival without significant rusting for centuries is its defining characteristic.
Statement It is known for its high resistance to corrosion. is Correct: The pillar is globally famous for its high resistance to corrosion. This rust resistance is attributed to the formation of a passive protective film (misawite) on the surface, resulting from the high phosphorus content and the specific manufacturing process used by ancient Indian metallurgists.

Key Takeaway:

The Mehrauli Pillar is a masterpiece of Gupta-era metallurgy made of wrought iron, famous for its non-rusting properties and the inscription of King Chandra (Chandragupta II).

Your note

More from Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

Consider the following statements regarding ancient Indian metallurgy: 1. The Harappans were master craftsmen in copper metallurgy but were unaware of bronze manufacturing. 2. The successors of the Harappans in the Gangetic plains belonged to the Iron Age. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the context of Stupa architecture, what is the primary function of the 'relic casket'?

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Consider the following statements regarding the structure of a Stupa: 1. The pradakshina patha was a path laid around the stupa, usually surrounded by railings. 2. Devotees walked around the stupa in an anti-clockwise direction to ward off evil spirits. 3. The entrance to the path was through gateways, which were typically plain and devoid of sculpture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the construction and decoration of Stupas and Temples: 1. Kings and queens were the sole financiers of these structures. 2. An association of ivory workers paid for one of the gateways at Sanchi. 3. Merchants, farmers, and garland makers also contributed to the decorations. 4. The names of ordinary men and women were never inscribed on pillars or railings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Monolithic Temples at Mahabalipuram: 1. They were carved out of a huge, single piece of stone. 2. Unlike brick structures, these were carved from the bottom upwards. 3. They are locally known as Rathas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is It is constructed primarily of bronze and copper..

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement It was manufactured approximately 1500 years ago. is Correct: The pillar is estimated to have been manufactured approximately 1500 to 1600 years ago, dating back to the Gupta period (circa 4th–5th century CE).
Statement It bears an inscription mentioning a ruler named Chandra. is Correct: The pillar bears a Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script which mentions a ruler named 'Chandra'. This ruler is historically identified with Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE) of the Gupta dynasty.
Statement It is constructed primarily of bronze and copper. is Incorrect: The pillar is not made of bronze or copper. It is composed almost entirely of wrought iron (over 98% pure iron). Its survival without significant rusting for centuries is its defining characteristic.
Statement It is known for its high resistance to corrosion. is Correct: The pillar is globally famous for its high resistance to corrosion. This rust resistance is attributed to the formation of a passive protective film (misawite) on the surface, resulting from the high phosphorus content and the specific manufacturing process used by ancient Indian metallurgists.

Key Takeaway:

The Mehrauli Pillar is a masterpiece of Gupta-era metallurgy made of wrought iron, famous for its non-rusting properties and the inscription of King Chandra (Chandragupta II).