{"id":89514,"date":"2026-02-23T16:56:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:26:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=89514"},"modified":"2026-02-23T16:56:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:26:59","slug":"ashoka-pillar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/ashoka-pillar\/","title":{"rendered":"Ashoka Pillar, Features, Major &#038; Minor Edicts, Lion Capital of Ashoka"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ashoka Pillar represents one of the earliest and most refined stone monuments of ancient India, erected during the reign of Emperor Ashoka the Great. These monolithic columns, raised across the Mauryan Empire, symbolized royal authority and moral governance based on Dhamma. The pillars were carved from single blocks of sandstone and placed at key administrative, trade and pilgrimage centres. They remain among the finest surviving examples of Mauryan architecture and sculpture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Ashoka Pillar<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ashoka\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ashoka<\/strong><\/a> Pillars were monumental stone columns erected throughout northern India and adjoining regions as part of the emperor\u2019s early artistic and political programme. Originally about 20-30 pillars were installed out of which only about 19 have survived till today and many are fragmented. They were transported from quarries at Mathura and Chunar and erected along trade routes, border towns and major Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Sanchi. The inscriptions engraved upon them were deciphered in the 1830s. They form part of nearly 150 Ashokan edicts discovered across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Ashoka Pillar Features<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pillars display uniform design, polished finish and symbolic capitals reflecting Mauryan craftsmanship and imperial vision.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monolithic Shaft: Each pillar shaft was carved from a single sandstone block, circular in cross section, slightly tapering upward and reaching 12 to 15 metres in height with mirror-like Mauryan polish.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stone Types Used: Two principal stones were employed, spotted red and white sandstone from Mathura and fine buff sandstone from Chunar near Varanasi, both transported over long distances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight and Dimensions: Average height ranged between 40 and 50 feet and each pillar weighed approximately 50 tons, demonstrating advanced engineering and coordinated labour organization.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capital Structure: The capital consisted of three sections carved from one piece, joined to the shaft by a metal dowel, forming a stable and durable architectural unit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bell Shaped Base: The lower capital resembled an inverted lotus bell, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening, reflecting both Indian symbolism and possible Achaemenid stylistic parallels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abacus Decoration: The abacus platform was either plain square or circular with carvings such as lotuses, bead and reel patterns, palmettes and rosettes inspired by Greek and Near Eastern motifs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal Sculptures: Surviving capitals include seven animals, mainly lions, one bull and one elephant, sculpted fully in the round and representing strength, vigilance and moral sovereignty.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mauryan Polish: Surfaces were polished to extraordinary smoothness, comparable to fine metalwork, reflecting technical mastery unmatched in early Indian stone architecture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Script and Language: Inscriptions were engraved in Prakrit using Brahmi script, the ancestor of later Indic scripts, while some western edicts used Aramaic and Greek.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geographic Spread: Major surviving pillars are located in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Nepal and Afghanistan, marking the vast territorial extent of the Mauryan Empire.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relocation: In 1356 CE, Firuz Shah Tughlaq transported two pillars from Topra and Meerut to Delhi, preserving them within medieval monuments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Read about: <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mauryan-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mauryan Empire<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><b>Pillars of Ashoka<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The list of few of the preserved Pillars of Ashoka has been given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sarnath Pillar: Famous for the Lion Capital, now the National Emblem of India. The polished sandstone pillar carried the Schism Edict and displays the finest Mauryan craftsmanship.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sanchi Pillar: Located at the Buddhist site of Sanchi. It once had a lion capital similar to Sarnath. The pillar bears the Schism Edict and reflects early inscription techniques.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allahabad Pillar (Kosambi Pillar): Originally erected at Kosambi and later moved to Allahabad Fort. It contains both Major and Minor Pillar Edicts, including the Queen\u2019s Edict. Later rulers like Samudragupta also added inscriptions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lauriya-Araraj Pillar: Located in East Champaran district of Bihar. It contains Major Pillar Edicts and is known for its well preserved polished shaft.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lauriya Nandangarh Pillar: Also situated in Champaran, Bihar. The pillar carries Major Pillar Edicts and stands near ancient burial mounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rampurva Pillars: Two pillars were found here, one with a lion capital and another with a bull capital. One pillar bears Major Pillar Edicts, while the other is without inscription.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaishali Pillar: Features a single lion capital facing north. Unlike many others, this pillar has no inscription and marks an important Buddhist site.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topra Kalan Pillar (Delhi-Topra Pillar): Originally installed at Topra in Haryana and later moved to Delhi. It contains Major Pillar Edicts including the unique Major Pillar Edict VII.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lumbini Pillar (Rummindei Pillar): Marks the birthplace of the Buddha. Ashoka reduced taxes in the village and commemorated his visit with this pillar.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nigali Sagar Pillar: Erected after Ashoka enlarged the stupa of Kanakamuni Buddha. The pillar commemorates his personal visit and devotion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sankisa Pillar: Located at Sankisa, an ancient Buddhist site. The pillar is now broken, but an elephant capital was discovered here, symbolizing the Buddha\u2019s descent from heaven.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delhi-Meerut Pillar (Firoz Shah Kotla): Originally from Meerut and relocated to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. It carries Major Pillar Edicts and stands inside Firoz Shah Kotla.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kandahar Fragment: Though mainly known for rock edicts, fragments associated with pillar inscriptions in Aramaic have been reported, showing Ashoka\u2019s influence extended into Afghanistan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Lion Capital of Ashoka<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lion Capital of Ashoka, commonly called as \u201cAshoka Stambh\u201d, is the National Emblem of India. It was built by Emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE at Sarnath. The sculpture shows four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, pride and confidence. It is made of polished sandstone and represents truth and righteousness under the Mauryan Empire. It was adopted in 1950 as the State Emblem of India, with the Ashoka Chakra placed at the centre of the national flag.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Ashoka Pillar Edicts\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ashoka Pillar Edicts are official inscriptions engraved on stone pillars erected by Ashoka during the 3rd century BCE. They communicate his Dhamma policy, moral teachings, administrative principles and messages of non violence, justice and religious tolerance across the Mauryan Empire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Ashoka Pillar Edicts have been classified into two categories:<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Major Pillar Edicts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edicts are important inscriptions of Ashoka explaining Dhamma, governance, welfare and moral duties. The seven Major Pillar Edicts were inscribed on selected pillars across the Gangetic plain.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict I: Explains Ashoka\u2019s principle of protecting his people through moral governance. It stresses welfare measures, justice and the king\u2019s duty to ensure public safety and ethical administration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict II: Defines Dhamma as avoiding sins and practicing virtues like compassion, charity, truthfulness and purity. It presents a simple moral code for peaceful and harmonious living.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict III: Advises people to avoid cruelty, anger, pride and harsh behavior. It encourages self control, kindness and moral discipline among subjects throughout the empire.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict IV: Describes duties of Rajukas, officers appointed to spread Dhamma. They toured provinces every five years to guide people and ensure fair governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict V: Lists animals and birds protected from killing on certain days and occasions. It also mentions Ashoka\u2019s humanitarian act of releasing twenty five prisoners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict VI: Explains Ashoka\u2019s Dhamma policy in administration. It emphasizes quick justice, public communication and the king\u2019s concern for moral and material welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major Pillar Edict VII: Summarizes works done for promoting Dhamma. It highlights religious tolerance and states that all sects value self control and purity of mind.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>2. Minor Pillar Edicts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minor Pillar Edicts are shorter inscriptions of Ashoka focusing on Sangha unity, donations and commemorative visits.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schism Edicts: Found at Sarnath, Sanchi and Allahabad, these edicts warn against division in the Buddhist Sangha. They order strict action against monks or nuns causing disunity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queen\u2019s Edict: Inscribed on the Allahabad pillar, it credits Ashoka\u2019s second queen, Karuvaki, for her charitable donations like mango groves and religious institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lumbini Pillar Inscription (Rummindei Edict): Records Ashoka\u2019s visit to Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha. He reduced taxes there and marked the sacred site with a pillar.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription: Mentions Ashoka enlarging the stupa of Kanakamuni Buddha and personally visiting the site to pay respect, marking it with a commemorative pillar.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read about Ashoka Pillars, their features, list of major sites, Major and Minor Edicts, and the Lion Capital of Ashoka, symbol of Mauryan governance and Dhamma.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":89471,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[5667],"class_list":{"0":"post-89514","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-ashoka-pillar","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89514"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":89516,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89514\/revisions\/89516"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/89471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=89514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=89514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}