This forged alloy steel block is one of the curious artifacts at Golconda fort. This block was used to test army candidates strength while during recruitment. As per guides at the fort, this block weighs 250kg. Anyone lifting it was selected. There are no details of the block as such. Assuming this block came into existence during the Qutb Shahi times, possibly even earlier. This block's workmanship is close to forged steel canons of those times i.e. XV or XVI century. Coming back to its weight, based on its dimensions, my estimate is 130 to 160 kg. The weight could vary depending on the composition of the alloy.
Weight lifting test was very essential in those times because soldiers were expected to handle a lot of dead weight like guns, canon balls, spears, swords, grain laden bags, etc. A soldier's basic qualities were both strength and stamina. Of course ancient people definitely were much fitter compared to the present. Their life expectancy might've been shorter but they were fitter.
Of the four visits to Golconda fort, I've made it a point to see the block. During the second visit, my maternal uncle Praveen was in company. We tried lifting it.. Praveen couldn't budge it while I could move it a inch but couldn't lift it off the ground. While we were there three local kids came by. They, 13 or 14 year old, said they could lift it together. They lopped in a piece of cloth gripped their little hands together and lifted it an inch off the ground. Basically the knack of gripping is important. Bad that I didn't take a shot of the kids in action.
Here's a video of the block being lifted by a body builder. He too employs a fabric to enhance grip.
While on the subject of ancient metallic artifacts, do check out the following posts:
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