Why does this ancient pillar stand here in Delhi? It is the Ashoka Pillar. This pillar is more than just a stone column. It whispers tales of emperors, empires, and the enduring power of ancient edicts.
The Ashoka Pillar before you dates back to the 3rd century BC. Emperor Ashoka himself erected it. Ashoka ruled the Mauryan Empire. He was a powerful ruler who embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
These Ashoka Pillars are not unique to Delhi. They were erected throughout the empire. They spread the teachings of Buddha. Ashoka wanted to teach people morals. He aimed for civilized living. He also sought peace and harmony across his vast empire.
Interestingly, this Ashoka Pillar wasn’t always here. Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq, a 14th-century ruler, was captivated by these pillars. He had two of them moved to Delhi. This one was transported from Topra, near Ambala, which is now in Haryana. Another Ashoka Pillar came from Meerut. It now stands on the Delhi ridge near Delhi University.
Imagine the effort it took to move this massive pillar. Silk cotton was wrapped around the Ashoka Pillar for protection. It was then placed on a 42-wheel carriage. Two hundred men pulled the carriage to the Yamuna River. From there, it was taken by boat to Firozabad and then to Kushak.
Look closely at the Ashoka Pillar’s surface. The Ashoka edict is inscribed in Brahmi script. These are the ten commandments of Buddha. Also, there are later inscriptions from pilgrims and travelers. A Sanskrit engraving even records the conquests of Chauhan king Visala from 1163 AD.
Notably, the Ashoka Pillar has suffered damage over time. Its inscriptions are flaking and deteriorating. This is a grave concern. A large part of the original inscription has come off. It cannot even be recreated. The loss is irreparable.
This Ashoka Pillar is unique. All Ashokan pillars have six edicts. However, the Topra pillar in Kotla has seven. The seventh edict is a retrospective statement. Ashoka sums up his work. He imposes moral restrictions on people.
Historians believe the pillars were chiselled from Chunar sandstone. The pillars were transported to various places after being carefully crafted and polished.
Consider this Ashoka Pillar’s journey. It began as a symbol of Ashoka’s reign. Then, it was moved by a curious sultan. Now, it stands as a testament to India’s ancient history. It serves as a reminder of a powerful emperor’s transformation. This Ashoka Pillar embodies his commitment to peace and righteousness.