Ashoka Pillar , Prayagraj

Erected by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the Prayagraj Ashoka Pillar bears edicts in Brahmi. It also features the Gupta-era Prayag Prashasti by Harishena and inscriptions by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, showcasing a layered history of Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods.

The Ashoka Pillar in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is a significant historical monument with a rich and layered past.¹ Here’s a breakdown of its history:

Mauryan Origins (3rd Century BCE):²

• Erected by Emperor Ashoka: The pillar was originally erected by Emperor Ashoka, one of the most famous rulers of the Mauryan Dynasty, in the 3rd century BCE (around 232 BCE).³
• Ashoka’s Edicts: Like other Ashokan pillars across the Indian subcontinent, this pillar was inscribed with edicts promoting the principles of Dharma (righteousness), non-violence, and tolerance.⁴ These edicts were written in Brahmi script.⁵
• Possible Original Location: Some historians believe the pillar was originally located in Kaushambi, an ancient city about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Prayagraj, and was later moved to its current location.⁶

Gupta Period Inscriptions (4th Century CE):

• Prayag Prashasti: The pillar is most famous for containing the Prayag Prashasti (also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription), a eulogy composed in Sanskrit by Harishena, the court poet of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta (4th century CE).⁷
• Account of Samudragupta’s Reign: The Prayag Prashasti provides a detailed account of Samudragupta’s military conquests, his administrative skills, and his personality.⁸ It’s a crucial source of information for understanding the Gupta period.

Mughal Period Inscriptions (17th Century):

• Jahangir’s Inscriptions: In the 17th century, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir also added inscriptions to the pillar in Persian, commemorating his visit to Prayagraj.⁹

Later History:

• Relocation within Allahabad Fort: The pillar is currently located inside the Allahabad Fort (now controlled by the Indian Army). The fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, and the pillar was likely moved there at some point.¹⁰
• Restoration and Lion Capital: In 1838, Captain Edward Smith of the British East India Company restored the pillar and added a new lion capital. However, this lion capital has been criticized for not accurately replicating the style of Ashokan capitals.

Significance:

• Layered History: The Ashoka Pillar in Prayagraj is unique because it contains inscriptions from three different periods of Indian history: the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods.¹¹ This layering of inscriptions makes it an invaluable historical and epigraphic source.
• Insight into Different Dynasties: It provides insights into the reigns and ideologies of Ashoka, Samudragupta, and Jahangir, offering a glimpse into the changing political and cultural landscape of India over centuries.¹²
• Symbol of Ancient India: The pillar stands as a symbol of ancient India’s rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its rulers.¹³

In summary, the Ashoka Pillar in Prayagraj is a monument of immense historical importance, bearing witness to the rise and fall of empires and offering a unique window into India’s past.