The Ashoka Pillar stands as a towering testament to India’s ancient heritage, Buddhist legacy, and architectural genius. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty (c.268–232 BC), these monolithic columns dot the Indian subcontinent, gracing sites of Buddhist monasteries, sacred locations, and places pivotal to the Buddha’s life. Their most celebrated piece, the Lion Capital at Sarnath, is now India’s national emblem.
These pillars, averaging 12–15m tall and weighing up to 50 tons, were crafted with gleaming Mauryan polish, a testimony to the empire’s advanced craftsmanship. Most were erected at sites of pilgrimage or historical importance, with inscriptions promoting the principles of dharma—righteousness, nonviolence, and harmony. Ashoka, after embracing Buddhism, used the pillars to propagate his edicts, calling for compassion, good conduct, and respect for all faiths.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, with its four majestic lions back-to-back, symbolizes power, courage, pride, and confidence. Surrounding the lions are other animals—horse, bull, elephant, and more—each layered with Buddhist meaning. The pillars’ edicts, written in various scripts such as Brahmi, Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic, showcase the diversity and cosmopolitan grandeur of Ashoka’s reign.
Today, twenty Asokan pillars survive, with seven still bearing their iconic animal capitals. The significance of the Ashoka Pillar extends well beyond history books: its values—truth, tolerance, nonviolence—embody India’s essence, reflected in national identity and echoed in the state emblem.
Ashoka Pillar Stamps by India Post
India Post has honored the Ashoka Pillar through definitive and commemorative stamps since 1950, featuring the Lion Capital and pillar motifs. Notable issues include the 1950–51 Lions “Service” stamps, the 1967 Official/Service stamps, and a wide array of definitive stamps with various denominations and watermark types up to the present. These stamps celebrate the enduring legacy of Ashoka's vision and India's cultural pride.
Trivia Points about Ashoka Pillar
Ashoka Pillars were erected between c.268–232 BC across India by Emperor Ashoka.
The Lion Capital at Sarnath is the model for India’s national emblem.
Only 20 Ashoka Pillars survive today, and just 7 with their animal capitals.
The four lions symbolize power, courage, pride, and confidence.
The base of the Lion Capital features a horse, bull, elephant, and lion, each with Buddhist symbolism.
The pillars contain edicts advocating dharma (righteousness), tolerance, and nonviolence.
Nearly all pillars were placed at Buddhist monasteries or pilgrimage sites.
Most pillars are made from a single piece of polished sandstone from Chunar and Mathura.
Some pillars were later moved by medieval kings such as Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Edicts were inscribed in Brahmi, Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic scripts.
The Sarnath Lion Capital was adopted as India’s emblem on January 26, 1950.
No two Ashoka Pillars are exactly identical in design or inscription.
The Ashoka Chakra (the wheel beneath the lions) is now at the center of the Indian flag.
The Lumbini pillar in Nepal marks the Buddha’s birthplace and has a unique inscription.
Original pillar heights ranged from 12–15m, but some stand taller due to restoration or later renovations.