Ashoka Pillar at Lauria Nandangarh
The Ashoka Pillar at Lauria Nandangarh is a tall sandstone structure topped with a carved lion figure looking out across the landscape. The monument features inscribed texts from Emperor Ashoka's era and stands within a broader archaeological site that includes remains of other ancient buildings nearby.
This monument was built in the third century BCE when Emperor Ashoka ruled the Mauryan Empire and used such pillars to spread messages about justice and peaceful governance across his lands. The site represents one of several such pillars in the region, reflecting the area's role as an important administrative and communication hub during that era.
The site's name connects to the ancient Nandangarh stupa that once stood nearby. Visitors can walk through the ruins and sense the spiritual importance this place held for Buddhist communities and those who valued the emperor's messages about justice and kindness.
The site is best visited from September to April when the weather stays cool and comfortable for exploring. Wear sturdy walking shoes as some paths are uneven, and bring water since the open grounds can be warm during the day.
A sister site at nearby Rampurva contains similar pillars with elaborate carved capitals now housed in museums across India. These artistic details reveal a blend of local craftsmanship and Greek artistic influence, showing how ideas traveled between distant cultures in ancient times.
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