Credit: flickr
A must-visit destination for everyone, the Ashoka Pillar, built by the Indian emperor, is one of the most impressive pillars. It’s located at a distance of 1.5 km from the Sanchi railway station.
Discover the Marvels of Ashoka Pillar
The pillar is designed with structural balance and exact, stunning proportions and was erected in the 3rd century BC. The crown of four lions stands up on the shaft. The entire pillar does not stand here, only the shaft of the pillar can be seen, while the crown proportion is kept in the Sanchi museum. Later, the figure of lions was adopted as the national emblem of India.
Influences and Design of the Ashoka Pillar
The structure of the Ashoka pillar is greatly influenced by the Greco-Bhuddhist style. Sandstone is used to construct the pillar from the quarries of Chunar. At a height of 42 feet, the pillar is a slightly tapering monolithic shaft with a bell-shaped capital surmounted by an abacus and a crowning ornament of four regal lions looking in four directions, with their backs to each other.
It symbolizes the flock of the Buddha’s disciples; the abacus is decorated with four flame palette designs separated from each other by a pair of geese. Ashokan inscription inscribed on the pillar in the ornamental Sakha Lipi from the Gupta period.
Timings and Entry Fees
The Sanchi Historic Site is open from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., allowing visitors ample time to explore the majestic Ashoka Pillar. The entry fee is INR 30 for Indians and SAARC citizens, while foreigners are charged INR 500.
So if you are planning to visit Sanchi, you must explore this remarkable piece of history. India’s rich cultural heritage—the majestic Ashoka pillar is a testament to India’s glorious past.