On the mathematical significance of the dimensions of the Delhi Iron Pillar
_Current Science_, vol. 95, no. 6, 25 Sept. 2008, pp. 766-770

http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/sep252008/766.pdf

Abstract:
The dimensions of the 1600-year-old Delhi Iron Pillar
have been re-analysed in light of new scholarship on
the traditional Indian unit of measurement. The dimensions
of the pillar can be well reconciled considering
the basic unit of measurement as 17.63 mm. The low
percentage errors between the theoretical and actual
measurements provide further support to this analysis.
The significant mathematical ratios embedded in the
relative dimensions of the pillar have also been set forth.
The close association of the basic unit of measurement
and the mathematical ratios with those of the Harappan
civilization offers evidence for continuity of scientific
ideas and traditions from the Harappan civilization to
the Ganga civilization. Analysis of dimensions of the
characters of the Guptaâ “Brahmi inscription revealed
the possible use of the decimal system.