Ashoka Pillars

The Ashoka Pillars are a collection of tall, slender stone columns built by Emperor Ashoka in ancient India around the 3rd century BCE. They are famous for their polished sandstone finish, intricate carvings, and inscribed edicts that convey Ashoka’s messages of Dhamma (moral law) and governance. These pillars symbolize the spread of Buddhist principles and ethical values across the Indian subcontinent. Many feature a distinctive lion capital at the top, which is now India’s national emblem. Overall, they represent a blend of artistic craftsmanship and the emperor’s efforts to promote morality and harmony.