Why in the News?

A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya highlighting Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The original pillars, like those at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, are key symbols of India’s Buddhist and Mauryan heritage and are on UNESCO’s Tentative List.

About Rampurva Ashoka Pillars (West Champaran, Bihar):

• Location: Near the Nepal border in West Champaran district, Bihar.
• Discovery: Found by archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, Lamb Carlleyle in 1876.
• Pillars: Two monolithic sandstone pillars, 300 meters apart:
  • Lion Capital Pillar: Contains Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script.
  • Bull Capital Pillar: Known for artistic refinement and Persian-inspired motifs.
• Design Features:
  • Polished sandstone with Mauryan craftsmanship.
  • Height: 12–15 meters; Weight: Up to 50 tons.
  • Lion Capital: Preserved at Indian Museum, Kolkata.
  • Bull Capital: Housed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi; praised for its lifelike form and “velvet touch” finish.
  • Decorative motifs include rosette, palmette, and acanthus—showing Persian influence.
• Legend: Marks the site of Buddha’s renunciation near the Anoma River.

About Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar (West Champaran, Bihar):

• Location: 22–28 kilometers northwest of Bettiah town.
• Surviving Structure: Only one complete pillar remains from an original group.
• Material and Size:
  • Made of Chunar sandstone.
  • Stands about 12 meters above ground with ~3 meters underground; Weighs over 50 tons.
• Capital Design:
  • Features a seated lion with hind legs extending beyond the abacus.
  • The abacus is adorned with hamsa (flying geese), symbolizing spiritual liberation.
• Inscriptions:
  • Engraved with Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script, dated to 244 BCE.
  • Promotes dharma, non-violence, religious tolerance, and compassion.
• Symbolism:
  • The lion capital represents Mauryan imperial strength and Buddha’s Sakya lineage.
  • The lion’s open mouth symbolizes the dissemination of Ashoka’s ethical and Buddhist teachings.

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