Pillars of Ashoka

In the third century BC, Emperor Ashoka, the last major emperor of India’s Mauryan dynasty, erected the Pillars of Ashoka across northern India and Nepal. These tall sandstone structures, inscribed with edicts promoting Buddhist tenets, stand as enduring symbols of his reign. The most renowned among them is the lion-topped Sarnath Pillar, which serves as the national emblem of India. Visitors can view this iconic pillar at the Sarnath Museum, located near Varanasi, where it continues to inspire and educate about the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.