The Ashoka Pillar: History and Analysis

The Ashoka Pillar’s Legacy, Artistry, and Meaning in a Modern World

The Ashoka Pillar stands as a symbol of ancient Indian civilisation. Today, it continues to inspire with its message of peace and unity. The pillar of Ashoka is not only a monument but also a testament to the vision of Emperor Ashoka. He ruled from 268 to 232 BCE, spreading his ideals across the Indian subcontinent. The Ashoka pillar, with its inscriptions and artistic capitals, remains a powerful reminder of the values of non-violence and moral leadership.

The Origins of the Pillar of Ashoka

Emperor Ashoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, commissions the pillars after a period of intense conflict. The Kalinga War changes his outlook, leading him to embrace Buddhism and reject violence. To communicate his new principles, he orders the construction of the Ashoka pillar at key locations. These pillars serve as vehicles for his edicts, which promote compassion, tolerance, and ethical governance.

Construction and Materials

The Ashoka pillar is a feat of engineering and artistry. Each pillar stands between 12 and 15 metres tall and can weigh up to 50 tons. Craftsmen carve the shafts from a single block of sandstone, usually sourced from quarries in Mathura and Chunar. The capitals, often featuring animals, are made separately and joined to the shafts. The stone is polished to a high sheen, giving the pillars a distinctive, smooth finish.

Distribution and Placement

Ashoka places his pillars at important Buddhist sites, monasteries, and crossroads. He wants his message to reach as many people as possible. Today, about 20 pillars survive, though many are in fragments. Notably, the pillar of Ashoka at Sarnath is almost intact and is now India’s national emblem. Other pillars are found in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Nepal. Some pillars have been relocated over the centuries, yet their significance remains unchanged.

Artistic Features of the Pillar

Capitals and Symbolism

The capitals of the pillar are remarkable for their detail and symbolism. The most famous is the Lion Capital at Sarnath, which features four lions seated back to back. These lions face the four cardinal directions, symbolising power, courage, and confidence. Below the lions, a frieze displays an elephant, a bull, a horse, and another lion, each separated by a Dharma Chakra (wheel of law).

• The elephant symbolises the Buddha’s conception.
• The bull stands for strength and enlightenment.
• The horse represents Buddha’s renunciation.
• The lion marks the attainment of enlightenment.

The Dharma Chakra, with 24 spokes, is now at the centre of India’s national flag. The use of the lotus as a base for the capital signifies purity and spiritual awakening.

Artistic Influences

The Ashoka pillar’s design shows both Indian and foreign influences. The use of stone and the form of the pillar may reflect contact with Persian and Greek cultures. However, the pillar of Ashoka remains rooted in Indian traditions, especially the concept of the axis mundi, or world axis, which connects heaven and earth.

The Inscriptions: Ashoka’s Edicts

Content and Purpose

Ashoka uses the pillar as a medium to communicate directly with his people. He inscribes his edicts in local languages, making them accessible to all. The messages focus on moral conduct, non-violence, respect for all life, and religious tolerance. Ashoka’s edicts also address government officials, urging them to act with fairness and compassion.

Types of Edicts

There are two main types of inscriptions on the pillar of Ashoka:

• Major Pillar Edicts: These outline Ashoka’s policies and his vision for a just society.
• Minor Pillar Edicts: These often commemorate visits or mark significant events.

Some pillars also carry the Schism Edict, which calls for unity among Buddhist monks and nuns.

Language and Script

Ashoka’s inscriptions are among the earliest deciphered texts from India. He uses the Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts, as well as Prakrit, the language of the people. This choice reflects his desire to reach a broad audience and ensure that his message endures.

The Ashoka Pillar and Buddhism: Promoting the Dharma

The pillar is central to Ashoka’s mission to promote Buddhism. After embracing the faith, he sends missionaries across Asia and builds monasteries and stupas. The pillar of Ashoka serves as a physical manifestation of his commitment to the dharma, or moral law.

Sites of Importance

Ashoka erects pillars at places associated with the Buddha’s life, such as Lumbini (the Buddha’s birthplace) and Sarnath (where the Buddha gave his first sermon). These sites become important centres of pilgrimage and learning.

Social and Cultural Impact

The pillar helps to unify the diverse peoples of the Mauryan Empire. By promoting values like non-violence and tolerance, Ashoka fosters a sense of shared identity. His support for Buddhism leads to its spread throughout India and beyond, shaping the region’s cultural and religious landscape.

The Pillar of Ashoka in Modern India: A National Symbol

In 1950, the Lion Capital of Ashoka is adopted as India’s national emblem. The Dharma Chakra from the same capital appears on the national flag. These symbols represent the ideals of justice, courage, and peace that Ashoka championed.

Influence on Art and Architecture

The Ashoka pillar inspires generations of artists and architects. Its clean lines, polished surface, and symbolic capitals set a standard for Indian art. Even today, the pillar is studied and admired for its technical mastery and aesthetic appeal.

Continuing Relevance

The messages inscribed on the pillar remain relevant. In a world often divided by conflict, Ashoka’s call for compassion and understanding continues to resonate. Schools, government buildings, and public spaces across India display images of the pillar, reminding citizens of their shared heritage.

The Mystery and Engineering of the Ashoka Pillar

The building of the pillar requires advanced knowledge of quarrying, transport, and stone carving. Workers cut the massive shafts from stone, shape them with precision, and polish them to a mirror-like finish. The capitals are carved separately, then attached using metal dowels.

Transportation and Erection

The pillars are transported over long distances, sometimes hundreds of miles. This feat is impressive, considering the technology of the time. Once at their destination, the pillars are erected without the use of modern cranes or machinery.

Preservation and Survival

Many pillars have survived for over two millennia, despite exposure to the elements. Some have been damaged or relocated, but others, like the pillar of Ashoka at Sarnath, remain largely intact. Their durability speaks to the skill of the ancient craftsmen.

The Pillars of Ashoka: Locations and Notable Examples

Sarnath

The Sarnath pillar is perhaps the most famous. It stands at the site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Lion Capital from this pillar is now in the Sarnath Museum and serves as India’s national emblem.

Allahabad

The pillar at Allahabad is notable for its inscriptions, which include both major and minor edicts. It marks an important administrative and religious centre in the empire.

Rampurva

At Rampurva, two pillars were discovered, one with a lion capital and the other with a bull capital. These capitals show influences from Greek and Persian art, especially in the decorative motifs.

Other Sites

Pillars have also been found at Vaishali, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Lauriya-Araraj, Meerut, and Lumbini, among others. Each pillar tells a part of Ashoka’s story and reflects the reach of his empire.

The Symbolism of the Ashoka Pillar

Axis Mundi

The pillar itself is often seen as the axis mundi, or the world axis. This concept, found in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, represents the connection between heaven and earth. By erecting pillars at sacred sites, Ashoka reinforces the idea of a moral and spiritual centre.

Animal Symbols

The animals on the capitals each carry deep meaning. The lion stands for power and enlightenment, the elephant for birth and wisdom, the bull for strength, and the horse for energy and movement. Together, they reflect the stages of the Buddha’s life and the ideals of the Mauryan state.

The Dharma Chakra

The Dharma Chakra, or wheel of law, is a key feature on many pillars. With its 24 spokes, it symbolises the cycle of life and the teachings of the Buddha. Today, it is a symbol of justice and progress.

The Ashoka Pillar in Scholarship and Popular Culture

Academic Interest

The pillar is a subject of study in fields such as history, art, religion, and archaeology. Scholars analyse the inscriptions, artistic styles, and construction techniques to understand the Mauryan period.

Influence on Modern Thought

Ashoka’s message of non-violence and tolerance influences leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi. The pillar serves as a reminder that true power lies in compassion and moral leadership.

Representation in Media

The Ashoka pillar appears in textbooks, documentaries, and films. Its image is used in government documents, coins, and stamps, reinforcing its place in the national consciousness.

The Ashoka Pillar and the Spread of Buddhism

Missionary Activity

Ashoka sends missionaries to regions as far as Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. The pillar of Ashoka, with its inscriptions, helps to spread Buddhist teachings and values.

Support for Monasteries

Ashoka builds monasteries and supports the Sangha, or Buddhist community. The pillars often stand at the entrance to these sites, welcoming pilgrims and visitors.

Social Welfare

Ashoka’s edicts promote social welfare, including the building of hospitals, planting of trees, and digging of wells. A pillar symbolises his commitment to the well-being of all living beings.

Artistic and Technical Achievements

Polished Stone

The high polish of the Ashoka pillar is a hallmark of Mauryan art. The smooth surface reflects light and gives the pillar a sense of grandeur.

Carving and Assembly

Artisans carve the capitals with great skill, capturing the details of fur, feathers, and floral patterns. The assembly of the shaft and capital requires careful planning and execution.

Enduring Legacy

The techniques developed for the Ashoka pillar influence later Indian architecture and sculpture. The emphasis on clarity, balance, and symbolism continues to shape artistic traditions.

The Pillar of Ashoka: A Model for Governance

Ethical Leadership

Ashoka’s use of the pillar to communicate his policies sets a precedent for transparent and ethical governance. His emphasis on justice, compassion, and respect for all religions is still relevant today.

Administrative Reforms

The edicts on the pillar outline reforms in administration, justice, and social welfare. Ashoka seeks to create a society where everyone is treated fairly and has the opportunity to thrive.

Legacy of Tolerance

Ashoka’s respect for different faiths and cultures helps to create a diverse and inclusive empire. Therefore, the pillar stands as a symbol of this legacy.

The Ashoka Pillar in Comparative Perspective

Similarities with Other Monuments

The Ashoka pillar is often compared to the Egyptian obelisks and Persian columns. Like these monuments, it serves both a symbolic and practical purpose.

Unique Features

What sets the pillar of Ashoka apart is its focus on moral and ethical messages. The inscriptions are not just records of conquests but calls to live a better life.

Influence on Other Cultures

Ashoka’s pillars inspire similar monuments in other Buddhist countries. The spread of Buddhism carries the ideals of the Ashoka pillar to new lands.

Preservation and Challenges

Conservation Efforts

Many Ashoka pillars have suffered damage from weather, human activity, and relocation. Conservationists work to preserve these monuments for future generations.

Public Awareness

Efforts to educate the public about the significance of the pillar of Ashoka are ongoing. Museums, schools, and heritage sites play a key role in this process.

International Recognition

The Ashoka pillar is recognised as a world heritage symbol. Its message of peace and unity transcends national boundaries.

Visiting the Ashoka Pillar Today

Visitors can see the pillar of Ashoka at sites like Sarnath, Allahabad, and Vaishali. Museums in India display capitals and fragments from various pillars.

Educational Value

Guided tours and exhibitions help visitors understand the history and meaning of the Ashoka pillar. Interactive displays make the experience engaging for all ages.

Inspiration for the Future

Standing before the pillar of Ashoka, one feels connected to a tradition of wisdom and compassion. The monument continues to inspire new generations to work for a better world.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka pillar is more than an ancient monument. It is a living symbol of the values that shaped a civilisation. Through its art, inscriptions, and enduring presence, the pillar of Ashoka reminds us of the power of moral leadership. As we face the challenges of the modern world, the Ashoka pillar offers a vision of unity, peace, and justice that remains as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago.

For further reading on Ashoka’s contributions to religion and society, see this UKessays.com article on Ashoka’s significant contributions to Buddhism. To explore the artistic legacy of the Ashoka pillar, you may also find this UKEssays.com analysis of the Ashoka pillar insightful.

References for The Ashoka Pillar Analysis

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• Lahiri, Nayanjot. Ashoka in Ancient India. Harvard University Press, 2015.
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• John S. Strong, The Legend of King Asoka: A Study and Translation of the Asokavadana (Princeton University Press, 1983).
• PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/gallery/photos/6.html.
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• “The Pillars of Ashoka.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/south-asia/buddhist-art2/a/the-pillars-of-ashoka.
• Harle, J.C., The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 2nd edn. 1994, Yale University Press Pelican History of Art, ISBN 0300062176
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• Falk, H. Asokan Sites and Artefacts: A A Source-book with Bibliography, 2006, Volume 18 of Monographien zur indischen Archäologie, Kunst und Philologie, Von Zabern, ISSN 0170-8864
• Jain Agama Literature, Department of Computer Science, www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/ashoka.html.
• “A History of the World in 100 Objects, Empire Builders (300 BC – 1 AD), Pillar of Ashoka.” BBC, BBC, 19 May 2010, www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sbrz1.
• Verma, Richi. “Kotla’s Ashoka Pillar, over 2,000 Years Old, Suffers Heavy Damage – Times of India.” The Times of India, Business, 3 Dec. 2016, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Kotlas-Ashoka-pillar-over-2000-years-old-suffers-heavy-damage/articleshow/55763120.cms.