Dick:
In regard to Churchward possibly having learned secrets of steel
manufacture in India, I looked around online, and the "iron pillar"
is not in Benares, but is in Delhi. It is generally attributed to
Persian influence or technology, though.
Here are few pages with information on it, if you're interested:
http://www.vacationsindia.com/gangetic-plateau.html
http://www.gtborientholidays.com/nepalindiap2.html
This site, however, attributes it to Hindu manufacturers:
http://www.diatravel.com/doc96q.htm
"Morning sightseeing: the 234-foot Qutab Minar tower of Islam
and Hindu Iron Pillar dedicated to Vishnu 1500 years ago, plus
Humayan's Persian-style tomb. "
This one does also:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/nonfram/150201/htm08.asp
"As Khushwant writes, "the pillar was designed as the standard
of Lord Vishnu and was meant to be implanted deep into the
hood of the cobra which bears the earth on its head." It was said
that anyone who tampered with it would be cursed. A foolish
Tomar Rajput king, who wanted proof that the pillar was in fact
imbedded in the serpent's head, had it dug up. When it was, the
base was found to be covered with blood. The Tomar king lost
his throne and his dynasty died with him. It's a wonderful story
but, for the life of me, I cannot fathom the connection with Delhi.
Is it to suggest that Delhi is a city of blood? Sadly, at times it has
been. "
Anyway, this pillar has certainly withstood many centuries of
exposure to the elements.
--Mike
Related thread: Dick and Mike's Friendly Argument! — Continues Dick and Mike's Churchward argument