Ashoka the Great, the inheritor of the empires built by his grandfather and father, Chandragupta Maurya and Bindusāra, was not only the greatest of the Emperors of Ancient India but also of the world – ancient or current. Why, one may ask? For one simple reason – while all other emperors are defined by their success in subjugating others against their will, Ashoka, and only Ashoka, shines proudly like a beacon, telling time and again that he wants his people – nay, his children – to follow the path of Dhamma and righteousness. After the war of Kalinga, where a bloodbath took place and people were killed and injured in hundreds of thousands, Ashoka had a change of heart. He foreswore violence for the sake of conquest and instead embarked on the conquest of evil by good.
Once he was on the path of Dhamma, he wanted to tell his people what he had discovered – such is the power of Dhamma! To communicate his ideas to his subjects, he decided on a course of speaking directly to them – like a father admonishing his sons and daughters. He erected monuments all over his empire, which included almost all of present-day India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and most of Afghanistan. To inscribe his messages, he chose the local dialect, like Prakrit, Aramaic, Greek, or Kharosthi; instead of literate languages like Sanskrit or Pali. This was a calculated and deliberate decision. It was to act as a tool to bring him closer to his subjects. And what better medium to write the message than on the stone – whether pillars or rocks – that will endure for a long time to come and keep inspiring both the people and the kings who would rule in his wake.
Ashoka also went on many tours, including Buddhist pilgrimages, and erected pillars with or without inscriptions, temples, stupas, and railings. Additionally, he had his lieutenants in various administrative divisions inscribe his messages on rocks that were on major trade routes, at strategic points on borders, at forts, and at pilgrimage places. It’s all this work that is the subject of this article.
In this article, we will cover all the places that have monuments of Ashoka the Great – whether rocks or pillars, capitals or caves, or monuments – inscribed or otherwise.
This article focuses on facilitating visits to the Ashokan Monuments by providing as reliable information as possible about their locations including map coordinates, the variant place names, how accessible those locations are, a plan of arranging trips, and some planned trips that were taken by the author. All of this is based on the author’s intimate knowledge about India as well as having visited a plethora of places.
Disregarding the conventional wisdom of dividing up the places by pillars or rocks, major or minor edicts, supplementary edicts, and so on; all the places are listed with a suggestion of the way to visit them while in the area. So, for example, while one is in Delhi, the capital of India, one can visit the pillars as well as rock inscriptions in that territory.
In the table that follows, the Number column has numbers such as 1.1, 1.2, and so on. The first number suggest that they belong to the same group that can be visited together while the second number suggests the order in which they can/should be visited. Thus, when one is in Hyderabad, one can hire a car with a driver and start visiting 7.1, 7.2, and so on until 7.11, when one can return to Hyderabad.
While the major places can be flown in and out of, most of the places mentioned in this article are rural places, many times in remote locations amidst agricultural fields and villages. Thus, having your transportation is essential – preferably a comfortable AC car with a local driver.
A1. The Pillar at Bhopal is a modern reconstruction and not included below.
A2. The Pillar at Sadagarli: I haven’t been able to locate Sadagarli.
A3. The Pillar at Udayagiri-Vidisha: The Udayagiri Lion Capital, found near Udayagiri Caves, was first reported by Alexander Cunningham and is now in Gwalior. It is dated to the closing decades of 2nd-century BCE or is possibly a Gupta-period rework of a Mauryan capital. Thus, it is not included below. Very easy to visit, handicap accessible.
A4. The Pillar at Kushinagar: This pillar has never been located.
A5. Bulandi Bagh (Pataliputra) Capital: It is believed to be of the Shunga dynasty, and not Mauryan. Currently in the Bihar Museum in Patna, Bihar, India. Very easy to visit, handicap accessible.
A6. The Pillar at Bhikana Pahari: I haven’t been able to locate Bhikana Pahari.
A7. The Pillar at Sandalpu: I haven’t been able to locate Sandalpu. There is a locality named Sandalpur in Patna so perhaps this is referring to the Bulandi Bagh (Pataliputra) Capital referred to above.
|
No |
Name |
Location |
GPS Coordinates |
Type |
Language |
Edicts |
Notes |
|
1. Delhi (see Delhi-Local [1.1 to 1.3] and Delhi-Extended [1.4 to 1.6] Plans in Appendix 1) |
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|
1.1 |
Topra-Delhi |
Delhi |
28.63603166222859, 77.24543722783028 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Pillar Edicts 1-7 |
Located in the fortress of Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi; moved from Topra in Yamuna Nagar district, Haryana by Feroz Shah Tughluq in 1356 CE. Mounted atop a three-story structure, undergoing renovation during my visit in 2024 so cannot approach and observe closely. Easily handicap accessible to the bottom of the structure. This is the only Pillar with Major Pillar Edict 7. Requires Admission ticket, order online at https://asimustsee.nic.in/ or buy on-site. |
|
1.2 |
Meerut-Delhi |
Delhi |
28.67395601119781, 77.21224661104327 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Pillar Edicts 1-6 |
Located on the Delhi ridge, opposite the entrance of Hindu Rao Hospital (park here), close to the Delhi University campus; moved from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh by Feroz Shah Tughluq in 1356 CE. Broken into five pieces by the explosion of a powder magazine in 1713-1719, and restored in 1867. A portion of the Pillar is broken and lying there. Easily handicap accessible. |
|
1.3 |
Bahapur |
Delhi |
28.55872462827486, 77.2566599981526 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
In-situ on top of a small rocky outcrop, engraved on a small patch of rock exposure, next to Lotus Temple and ISKCON Temple, close to Bahapur village in South Delhi, locked in a glass cage which makes it impossible to take good pix, handicap accessible ramp to the top. |
|
1.4 |
Humayun Mosque, Fatehabad Fort |
Haryana |
29.519417964109895, 75.45936448297238 |
Pillar |
Unknown |
Uninscribed |
The Humayun Mosque has the 15 to 16 feet tall upper portion of an Ashokan Pillar (topped with a five-inch marble strip and a Red sandstone upper portion). The entire Ashokan pillar here was systematically stripped of its Ashokan inscription(s) and was re-inscribed in Arabic script with the Genealogy of Feroze Shah Tughluq, who brought it here. It is called Feroz Shah ki Lat and was likely taken from the Agroha Mound. Its lower portion lies in the Lat ki Masjid at Hisar, Haryana (see next entry for alternate details). Easily handicap accessible with some assistance. |
|
1.5 |
Lat ki Masjid, Hisar Fort |
Haryana |
29.16693056816802, 75.72174683751031 |
Pillar |
Unknown |
Uninscribed |
The mosque has the lower portion of an Ashokan pillar (topped with a Red sandstone upper portion). Its upper portion is in the Humayun Mosque at Fatehabad, Haryana (see previous). Another source states, "The Ashokan pillar, likely taken from its nearby original location at the Agroha Mound, was cut for ease of transportation. Four pieces were rejoined here, and the remaining bottom portions are at the Fatehabad mosque. The four upper portions of the Ashokan pillar here are tapering registers with a finial topped by an iron rod”. [4] This appears to be incorrect because only the lowest portion belongs to the Ashokan pillar and the three top Red sandstone portions are not Mauryan in origin. Easily handicap accessible. |
|
Bairat (Bairath, Viratnagar) |
Rajasthan, Minor Rock Edict 3 now in Asiatic Society, Kolkata, West Bengal |
1. Bairat Temple (Bijak ki Pahadi): 2. Museum (at Ganesh
Mandir): 3. Ashokan Edict: |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 in situ, Minor Rock Edict 3 in Kolkata |
Minor Rock Edict 1 is in situ. It’s almost impossible to see the inscription. When visiting, do visit the Bairat Temple (Beejak ki Pahari) and a small Museum near the Ganesh Temple. Ashokan Edict and Museum are Handicap accessible with assistance, Bairat Temple is high up a steep hill, and handicapped will need assistance to carry them up.
For Minor Rock Edict 3, see the Kolkata to Bhubaneswar section. This edict was found just in front of the remains of the Bairat Temple (Beejak ki Pahari), on the lower platform located between the temple and the cannon-shaped large rock, by Major Burt in 1840. [5] |
|
|
1.7 |
Kalsi or Khalsi |
Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
30.518136562689758, 77.84828594136664 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-14 |
It’s in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is a major tourist spot so finding transportation to Kalsi shouldn’t be a big problem. Locked in a covered enclosure, handicap accessible ramp, toilets available, very helpful attendant. |
|
1.8 |
Sankissa |
Uttar Pradesh |
27.33560287045878, 79.27077348312051 |
Capital |
NA |
Missing Pillar |
There is only an Elephant Capital. This was never pillar-mounted. Also, visit other antiquities in the area. |
|
2. Delhi to Bhopal |
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|
2.1 |
* Gujarra, Jhansi, Datia |
Madhya Pradesh |
25.577344784231954, 78.54592659546964 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
The authenticity of this inscription is doubted. Easily accessible, not locked in a cage. |
|
2.2 |
* Saru-Maru, Panguraria, Sehore |
Madhya Pradesh |
22.732006260575698, 77.51855651208098 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1, Visit inscription |
Don’t forget to visit Buddhist Stupas while here. |
|
2.3 |
Sanchi |
Madhya Pradesh |
23.48121069177529, 77.74124433242302 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Schism Edict |
The bottom part of the pillar still stands. The upper parts of the pillar are at the nearby Sanchi Archaeological Museum. The capital consists of four lions, which probably supported a Wheel of Law, as also suggested by later illustrations among the Sanchi reliefs. While here, don’t forget to visit the stupas around Sanchi – (1) Satdhara, (2) Sonari, (3) Andher, and (4) Murel Khurd. Requires Admission ticket, order online at https://asimustsee.nic.in/. |
|
3. Varanasi to Bodhgaya (see Varanasi-Local [3.1 to 3.3] and Varanasi-Extended [3.4 to 3.5 ] Plans in Appendix 1) |
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|
3.1 |
Varanasi |
Uttar Pradesh |
25.33198543621856, 83.00002559836557 |
Pillar |
NA |
Uninscribed |
It’s from Prahladpur (on the right bank of Ganga at Ghazipur) and is now located in the back of the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi. The pillar is quite damaged and has no capital or visible inscriptions. The information board at the pillar states it does have 2 inscriptions (one of Shishupal of the Gupta dynasty and one in the Shankh script of the 6th century CE) but there is also a lot of graffiti. It’s not very clear that this is an Ashokan pillar because it’s not as polished as other Ashokan pillars. Easily handicap accessible. |
|
3.2 |
Varanasi |
Uttar Pradesh |
25.333745437748853, 83.02404611475788 |
Pillar |
NA |
NA |
Popularly called “Lat Bhairon” (Bhairon’s Stick). Taken over and changed to a Hindu Temple when Buddhism was decimated in India by Muslim Invasions. Later demolished by that Tyrant of Tyrants, the evil Aurangzeb, and converted to a Mosque. Was reduced during the Muslim riots of 1809 to a stump by the Muslims, to erase Hindu claims. Now a part of the Laat Bhairav Temple, covered with cloth and worshipped as Shiva Linga. Close inspection is not possible. [6] Handicapped persons will need someone to carry them up the steps (about 10). |
|
3.3 |
Sarnath, Varanasi |
Uttar Pradesh |
25.381665661690352, 83.02271206824581 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Schism Edict |
This pillar had the
Four Lions Capital which is now in the Sarnath Site Archaeological Museum – a
must-visit! The Four Lions Capital is now the National Emblem of the
Republic of India. The base still stands with remains of the broken pillar
around it, everything locked down in a cage. Easy access off the road, also
for the handicapped, though they might require some assistance. Don’t forget
to visit this site in full, one of the four holiest sites for pilgrimage in
Buddhism. |
|
3.4 |
* Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) |
Uttar Pradesh |
25.43149970038419, 81.8754694928252 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Pillar Edicts 1-6, Schism Edict, Queen Edict |
Originally located at
Kosambi and probably moved to Allahabad by Jahangir. Located inside the Army
Camp and very difficult to get a permit to visit, requires applying weeks in
advance and even then, not clear where and how to apply. It’s not clear
where this pillar was located in Kosambi and whether the Kosambi and
Prayagraj pillars are part of a pair of pillars. |
|
3.5 |
Kausambi (Kosambi near Prayagraj) |
Uttar Pradesh |
25.3453347218908, 81.38745232350635 |
Pillar |
NA |
Uninscribed |
Very easy access, enclosed in a railing, near car parking, requires walking, shouldn’t be a problem for a wheelchair, handicapped persons will need someone to carry them up/down the steps. The entire area is rocky and hilly. |
|
3.6 |
Ahraura-Bhandari Devi |
Uttar Pradesh |
25.036194854955475, 83.03697464602415 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
At the top of the hill, easily accessible. Locked in a cage but very easy access for the handicapped with some assistance. |
|
3.7 |
* Ratanpurwa |
Kaimur Hills, Bihar (between Varanasi & Sasaram) |
25.015932145439685, 83.33644923566759 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
No information is available. |
|
3.8 |
* Sasaram |
Kaimur Hills, Bihar |
24.941686120667576, 84.03824969707289 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
Now overtaken by Muslims, by constructing a burial place around it. |
|
3.9 |
* Rupnath |
Kaimur Hills (near Jabalpur), Madhya Pradesh |
23.641720711899662, 80.03352289092409 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
Rupnath is on the road from Sindursi to Ranital about 4 km from Sindursi. Appears to have easy access. |
|
4. Bodhgaya to Kushinagar |
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|
4.1 |
Mahabodhi Temple Vajrasana (Diamond Throne of Lord Buddha), Bodhgaya |
Bihar |
24.69613663014488, 84.99144075473899 |
Monument |
NA |
NA |
The center of the Buddhist Pilgrimage circuit, one of the four holy places recommended in Mahāparinibbāna Sutta a Buddhist should visit. While here, don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum (requires an Admission ticket, order online at https://asimustsee.nic.in/) and the Mahant Compound (ask your guide). |
|
4.2 |
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya |
Bihar |
24.696087841713123, 84.99137636095523 |
Pillar |
NA |
Uninscribed |
Broken standing pillar fragment, no capital. According to sources, this pillar was originally part of the Sujata Stupa Complex. When the Sujata Stupa was mined for building materials by the local district collector in the early 1800s, the pillar was brought to Gaya where it remained at the Gol Pather intersection until it was brought to Bodhgaya in 1956. [7] |
|
4.3 |
Barabar Caves |
Kaimur Hills, Bihar (between Varanasi & Sasaram) |
Barabar
Caves:
Nagarjuni Caves: 25.009714818229586, 85.07894396509545
Kauvadol (Kawadol): 25.002493641056198, 85.02457494710151 |
Cave |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Cave Edicts |
They are easy to visit. But one must climb many steps to reach the Main group of caves called Barabar Caves (total 4 caves, three with Ashokan Inscriptions). Handicapped persons will need someone to carry them up the steps. The second group of caves, called Nagarjuni Caves (three caves, no Ashokan Inscriptions), are remote and require climbing stones and boulders and might not be possible for handicapped persons to visit. Caves are locked but a caretaker on-site can open the caves.
When visiting here, don’t miss the Kauvadol Site about 4 KM away, which has the remains of a Buddhist Temple. |
|
4.4 |
Lohanipur-Hajipur Double Bull Capital |
Patna, Bihar |
Bihar Museum: 25.608303239739822, 85.12096429060179 |
Capital |
NA |
NA |
Currently in the Bihar Museum in Patna. Easy access, handicapped can visit comfortably. The museum requires an admission ticket. |
|
4.5 |
Masarh-Arrah-Basti Lion Capital |
Patna, Bihar |
Bihar Museum: 25.608303239739822, 85.12096429060179 |
Capital |
NA |
NA |
While this is believed to be a Mauryan sculpture, it is believed to be either a prototype of the evolved Sarnath Lion or a stand-alone capital that wasn’t mounted atop a pillar. Currently in the Bihar Museum in Patna. Easy access, handicapped can visit comfortably. The museum requires an admission ticket. |
|
4.6 |
Kolhua-Vaishali |
Bihar |
26.014142511406657, 85.10930037564769 |
Pillar |
NA |
Uninscribed |
Still standing in situ, with a single Lion capital, majestic to behold! The entire complex is worth a dedicated visit, including the Licchavi Stupa in Vaishali and the onsite Museum. The museum and site require an Admission ticket, order online at https://asimustsee.nic.in/.
The Holy Relics from the Licchavi Stupa are now housed in Patna Museum (Jadughar, not the new museum, the museum requires an admission ticket + a special admission ticket for viewing the Holy Relics) and are worth a visit to pray and meditate in the presence of the relics of the master. |
|
4.7 |
Lauriya-Areraj |
Bihar |
26.551105733283947, 84.64741313944197 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Pillar Edicts 1-6 |
Located in Lauriya near Areraj, Betia, Bihar. No capital, presumably lost or stolen. Very easy access, not locked in a cage, no caretaker. Easy access for the handicapped once the gate is open. |
|
4.8 |
Lauriya-Nandangarh |
Bihar |
Pillar: 26.998597631045943, 84.4085565625743
Stupa: 26.987077784457192, 84.394533947594 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Pillar Edicts 1-6 |
Located in Lauriya-Nandangarh, Betia, Bihar. Freely accessible from the roadside, not locked, still standing in full glory with a majestic single Lion Capital! Very easy access for handicapped. While visiting here, don’t forget to also visit the Lauriya-Nandangarh Stupa (less than 1 KM away), which was the prototype for the Borobudur Stupa in Indonesia, which in turn was the prototype for the now-being-excavated Kesariya Stupa in Bihar, which is the largest stupa in the world! |
|
4.9 |
Rampurva |
Bihar |
27.269905602098632, 84.49992059840393 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Pillar Edicts 1-6 |
Located in Rampurva, Betia, Bihar. Locked in a cage but relatively easy access for handicapped with some assistance. There are two pillars, both are fallen on the ground and locked in a cage. One of these two pillars has Edicts 1-6 while the other pillar has no edicts engraved but had a Bull Capital, which was moved to grace the Viceroy House in New Delhi (now the Rashtrapati Bhavan). Impossible to visit the Bull Capital unless you are a bigwig who can visit the President of India! |
|
5. Kushinagar to Lumbini |
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|
5.1 |
Rupandehi-Lumbini |
Nepal |
27.473545145369712, 83.27561924897543 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Rummindei Edict |
Very easy access, next to the temple, no steps to climb, handicapped can access easily, surrounded by a metal fence, no caretaker. Erected in the 20th regnal year of Ashoka (c249 BCE), to commemorate Ashoka's pilgrimage to Lumbini. Capital missing, but was apparently a horse. One of the four holy places recommended in Mahāparinibbāna Sutta a Buddhist should visit. |
|
5.2 |
Nigalihawa (Nigali Sagar or Araurakot near Lumbini) |
Nepal |
27.595245366638178, 83.09566672411334 |
Pillar |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Nigali Sagar Edict |
Very easy access, off the roadside, no steps to climb, handicapped can access easily, locked in a metal cage/fence, no caretaker. The pillar is missing the capital, erected in the 20th regnal year of Ashoka (c249 BCE), identified as the site of Lord Buddha Koṇāgamana birthplace. Some doubts as to its original location and the edict have surfaced – see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigali_Sagar. |
|
5.3 |
Gotihawa (near Lumbini) |
Nepal |
27.519439198015828, 83.03137329092411 |
Pillar |
NA |
Uninscribed |
Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha Kakusandha. It is suggested that the earth-embedded pillar fragment here is the base of the Nigalihawa pillar fragments. The fragment is easily visible but the digging pit surrounding the base is filled with accumulated water. |
|
6. Kolkata to Bhubaneswar (see Orissa Plan in Appendix 1) |
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|
6.1 |
Calcutta-Bairat-Bhabru |
Rajasthan, now in Asiatic Society, Kolkata, West Bengal |
Original (Bairat):
Current (Kolkata): 22.55539294070534, 88.35055442586618 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 3 |
Anybody can access it by visiting the Asiatic Society, Kolkata. Asiatic Society is on the first floor so requires climbing stairs. Not sure if there is an elevator. Please call the society beforehand to organize a tour. This is the only rock fragment with Minor Rock Edict 3. |
|
6.2 |
Dhauli |
Orissa |
20.189812896184332, 85.84255893932325 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-10, 14, Separate Edicts 1&2 |
On the roadside, few steps to climb to the inscribed rock and, an additional 10-12 steps to climb to reach the elephant atop the inscribed rock, locked in a metal cage/fence, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry up the steps. |
|
6.3 |
Jaugada |
Orissa |
19.523049755870602, 84.83080797085708 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-10, 14, Separate Edicts 1&2 |
Not too far from the roadside, 10-15 steps to climb to the inscribed rock, locked in a metal cage/fence, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry them up the steps. |
|
7. Hyderabad to Hyderabad (see Hyderabad Plan in Appendix 1) |
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|
7.1 |
Sannati Stupa-Kanaganahalli Stupa |
Karnataka |
16.834753560778758, 76.93216183342301 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 12 & 14, Separate edict replacing 13 |
On the roadside, no climb, not locked in a metal cage/fence BUT can’t take pix anywhere, might be handicap accessible when finished in a few years. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2014/03/ashokan-major-rock-edict-of-sannati.html |
|
7.2 |
Maski |
Karnataka |
15.957482139558342, 76.64128049726727 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
On the roadside, 100m walk, no climb, locked in a metal cage/fence, no caretaker, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry up the steps. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2013/01/samrat-ashokas-edict-at-maski.html |
|
7.3 |
Udegolam |
Karnataka |
15.529178364889665, 76.80122002458269 & 15.529286508916549, 76.80116390382648 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edicts 1 & 2 |
On the roadside, walk about 500m, excellent caretaker, not locked in a metal cage/fence, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2013/06/ashokan-minor-rock-edict-of-udegola.html |
|
7.4 |
Nittur |
Karnataka |
15.557305649172664, 76.83696096804942 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edicts 1 & 2 |
On the roadside, no climb, excellent caretaker, not locked in a metal cage/fence, handicapped can manage with some difficulty. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2013/06/ashokan-minor-rock-edict-of-nittur.html |
|
7.5 |
Gavimatha |
Karnataka |
15.412390616772278, 76.16128114565912 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
On the roadside, a steep climb of 200m up the sloppy rocks, inscription rock requires an almost vertical climb using only the handholds and footholds. Handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry them up the slope but not possible to climb up the inscription rock. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2012/07/ashokas-edict-near-gavimath-koppal.html |
|
7.6 |
* Palkigundu |
Karnataka |
15.344281978402455, 76.13728299057668 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
Extreme climb, with no markers, no steps, no info, not for the handicapped. Don’t attempt unless very fit, have water, and perhaps at least 2 or 3 people in the party. High chance of getting lost so keep your phone handy to call or get directions. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2012/09/palki-gundu-koppal.html |
|
7.7 |
* Siddapura |
Karnataka |
15.645999806361308, 77.21106243057461 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edicts 1 & 2 |
On the roadside, no climb, not easy to find! Locked in a metal cage/fence, no caretaker, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry up the steps. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2014/03/ashokan-minor-rock-edict-of-siddapura.html |
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7.8 |
Brahmagiri |
Karnataka |
14.814027032190854, 76.80638175459906 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edicts 1 & 2 |
On the roadside, few steps to climb, locked in a metal cage/fence, no caretaker, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry them up the steps. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2013/06/ashokan-minor-rock-edict-of-brahmagiri.html |
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7.9 |
Jatinga-Rameswara |
Karnataka |
14.849658855186629, 76.79091237958491 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edicts 1 & 2 |
Very strenuous and long climb of about 1000 steps, ascending to 3469 feet. Take water, requires good fitness but can be done. Locked in a metal cage/fence, no caretaker. Handicapped can manage with 2 or 4 people to carry up the steps in a chair. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2014/03/ashokan-minor-rock-edict-of-jatinga.html |
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7.10 |
Rajula-Mandagiri |
Andhra Pradesh |
15.435189892093417, 77.47177843678706 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Minor Rock Edict 1 |
On the roadside, walk about 100m including a few steps, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry them. |
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7.11 |
Yerragudi-Erragudi-Jonnagiri |
Andhra Pradesh |
15.210348617750343, 77.57731534932252 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-14, Minor Rock Edicts 1 & 2 |
On the roadside, walk about 200 meters up the steps, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry them. Not locked in a metal cage/fence. By 2023 end, there should be toilets and a handicap-accessible ramp but still, someone will need to help carry and assist. Caretaker Venkatappa is very helpful. https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2015/05/major-and-minor-rock-edicts-of-ashoka.html |
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8. Mumbai to Rajkot |
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8.1 |
Sopara (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum) |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Mumbai: 18.92685074336418, 72.83256285095213 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 8 & 9 Fragments |
Easy access, handicapped can visit comfortably. The museum requires an admission ticket. |
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8.2 |
Girnar |
Junagadh, Gujarat |
21.525291441274575, 70.47946869388146 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Brāhmi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-14 |
On the road, only requires climbing a few steps, locked in a metal cage/fence, no caretaker, handicapped can manage with someone to assist and carry. Requires Admission ticket, order online at https://asimustsee.nic.in/. |
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9. Pakistan |
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9.1 |
* Sirkap, Taxila |
Punjab, Pakistan |
33.75786991832479, 72.8293126395989 |
Rock |
Aramaic |
Unknown |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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9.2 |
* Mansehra |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
34.33810374497158, 73.19335283181792 & 34.33852565790129, 73.19386000977761 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Kharosthi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-14 |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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9.3 |
* Shahbazgarhi |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
34.22387933158777, 72.16665895198084 |
Rock |
Ashokan Prakrit in Kharosthi script |
Major Rock Edicts 1-14 |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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10. Afghanistan |
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10.1 |
* Kandahar-Chehel Zina (Chil-Zena Hill) |
Afghanistan |
34.503150287494186, 69.15803218379513 |
Rock |
Greek & Aramaic |
Minor Rock Edict 4 |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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10.2 |
* Kandahar Greek |
Afghanistan |
Unknown location, currently untraceable |
Rock |
Greek |
End of Major Rock Edict 13 (12) & beginning of Major Rock Edict 14 (13) |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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10.3 |
* Laghman 1 |
Afghanistan |
34.59392705286379, 70.18545993638615 |
Rock |
Aramaic |
Unknown |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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10.4 |
* Laghman 2 |
Afghanistan |
34.59392705286379, 70.18545993638615 |
Rock |
Aramaic |
Unknown |
No information is available. Located in a conflict zone prone to tribal, ethnic, and religious violence. Visiting Buddhist monks, if any, must take extreme care. |
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Delhi-Local Plan (1 day visiting Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Topra, and Bahapur)
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Delhi-Extended Plan (3 days) (including Buddhist sites of Bairat Stupa, Bairat Museum in Viratnagar, and Mathura Museum) Day 1: Delhi IGI to Fatehabad to Hisar (Night in Hisar) Day 2: Hisar to Viratnagar (Bairat, Bijak ki Pahadi, Ganesh Temple Museum, Ashokan Edict) to Alwar (Night in Alwar) Day 3: Alwar to Mathura to Delhi
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Hyderabad Plan (6 Days) (including Chandavaram Stupa, Nellakondapally Stupa, don’t forget to visit the State Archaeology Museum in Hyderabad) Day 1: Hyderabad to Kanaganahalli/Sannati Stupa (Night in Shahapur) Day 2: Shahapur to Maski to Udegolam to Nittur (Night in Hospet) Day 3: Hospet to Palkigundu to Gavimatha to Brahmagiri to Jatinga-Rameshwar to Siddapura (Night in Ballari) Day 4: Ballari to Rajula-Mandagiri to Yerragudi to Chandavaram (Night in Markapur) Day 5: Chandavaram to Nellakondapally (Night in Suryapet) Day 6: Suryapet to Hyderabad
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Orissa Plan (2 Days) (including Tarapur Kesh Stupa, Buddhist site of Langudi, don’t forget to visit the State Archaeology Museum in Bhubaneswar) Day 1: Bhubaneswar to Langudi to Tarapur to Dhauli to Gopalpur (Night in Gopalpur) Day 2: Gopalpur to Jaugada to Bhubaneswar (don’t forget to visit State Archaeology Museum in Bhubaneswar) https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Gopalpur+Sea+Beach/Ashokan+Edict+Jaugada/Bhubaneswar,+Odisha,+India/@19.7754905,84.7669779,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3d58f9d18a1627:0x2f910dc762103ec2!2m2!1d84.9093185!2d19.25724!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a22acebd632e6c7:0xcde65be0f111d9ae!2m2!1d84.8309073!2d19.5226837!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a1909d2d5170aa5:0xfc580e2b68b33fa8!2m2!1d85.8245398!2d20.2960587!3e0
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Varanasi-Local Plan (1 Day visiting Sampurnanand University and Lat Bhairon)
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Varanasi-Extended Plan (2 Days) (including Allahabad Museum, Allahabad University Museum, Deor Kothar Stupa, Bharhut Stupa, and Ramvan Museum; night halt in Rewa)
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[1] Part of a series of “Inspiring Buddhist Pilgrimages”. This and other books and articles by Bhikkhu Mahinda are available at https://LearnBuddhism.org. To access over 44,000 Buddhist Teachings, please download the “Learn Buddhism” App from https://LearnBuddhism.org. App is completely free and available on Apple, Google, and Web platforms.
[2] In this article, we use the Sanskrit spelling for Ashoka, rather than the Pali or Prakrit spelling. Ashoka is likely to yield more results on internet searches. This article is based on Author’s Personal Travels with some information derived from the following sources:
1. Edicts of Ashoka: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edicts_of_Ashoka
2. Pillars of Ashoka: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillars_of_Ashoka
3. Major Pillar Edicts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_Pillar_Edicts
4. Minor Pillar Edicts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_Pillar_Edicts
5. Major Rock Edicts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_Rock_Edicts
6. Minor Rock Edicts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_Rock_Edicts
[3] Author has not visited the monuments preceded by * in the Name column personally so information given for them is based on the secondary sources. Some of the information from the secondary sources could be very old and outdated while some information might be misleading – use caution.
[4] Hisar and Fatehabad Pillar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firoz_Shah_palace_complex#cite_note-HT-JK1-2
[6] http://nalanda-insatiableinoffering.blogspot.com/2017/05/reclaiming-buddhist-site-of-lat-bhairava.html
[7] Geary, David (2017). The Rebirth of Bodh Gaya: Buddhism and the Making of a World Heritage Site. University of Washington Press. p. 209 Note 1.