Ashoka pillar, Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, Ancient sandstone pillar in Central Delhi, India
This sandstone column at Feroz Shah Kotla rises several meters high with text carved across its polished surface in an ancient script. The stone structure stands upright within the fortress grounds and displays the careful craftsmanship that went into its creation.
An ancient emperor had this pillar erected in the 3rd century BCE in a different location to spread his messages. Centuries later, workers transported it to Delhi, where it has remained within this fortress ever since.
The carved inscriptions reflect Buddhist teachings that spread across the ancient Indian world through royal promotion. Visitors walking around the pillar can observe how these messages were preserved in stone for thousands of years.
The pillar sits inside the fortress complex and is easy to locate once you enter the main gates. Be aware that this is a protected monument, so visitors are asked to view it from a respectful distance without touching.
Around two hundred workers pulled this massive stone to Delhi on a specially designed carriage, wrapping it in cotton for protection during the journey. This remarkable feat reveals how much the rulers of that time valued this structure.
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