Ashoka Pillar - Echoes of History!

Erected in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, the Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi served as a potent symbol of his embrace of Buddhism. Following the bloody Kalinga War, Ashoka renounced violence and dedicated himself to spreading Buddhist teachings. He commissioned numerous pillars throughout his empire, inscribed with edicts promoting Dharma, peace, and compassion. The Sanchi pillar, originally a monolithic shaft of polished sandstone, stood near the Great Stupa. While the pillar itself suffered damage over time, its surviving elements, particularly the lion capital, provide invaluable insights into Mauryan art and religious beliefs. The pillar's inscriptions likely included Ashoka's edicts, further solidifying Sanchi's role as a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.