• Pillar inscriptions became significant during the Ashoka period.
  • Uses of Pillars.
    • As a symbol of the State or to commemorate battle victories.
    • Also used to propagate imperial sermons as well.
  • The material used to build the pillars was chunar sandstone.
  • Parts of the Pillars
    • The shaft formed the base and was made up of a single piece of stone or monolith.
    • On top of it lay the capital, which was either lotus-shaped or bell-shaped and was influenced by Iranian pillars.
    • Above it, there was a circular or rectangular base known as the abacus on which an animal figure was placed.

Sarnath Pillar

  • The abacus and the animal part of the Sarnath pillar form the official national emblem of India. 
  • Four animals are shown representing four directions.

 

Animals Direction Representation
Galloping Horse West The horse named Kanthaka, which Buddha is said to have used for leaving his princely life.
Elephant East Elephant depicts the dream of Queen Maya, where a white elephant is seen entering her womb. 
Bull South Bull depicts the zodiac sign of Taurus, the month in which Buddha was born.
Lion North Lion shows the attainment of enlightenment. 
  • The four Lions symbolize Buddha spreading Dhamma in all directions. 
  • It was built in commemoration of the first sermon by Buddha known as Dharmachakrapravartana. 

 

Source: The Indian Express