Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c41.s25.58

v6.c41.s25.58

The extant Asokan pillars, with which alone a Persian connexion has been sought to be established, and which probably at one time could be counted by hundreds, do not number more than a dozen. The best known Asokan pillar is that removed from Topra to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlak in 1356. A fragment of a second was re-erected, also in Delhi, in 1867. Three others exist in Champaran district: the first of these is known as the Lauriya-Araraj, the second as the Lauriya Navandgarh pillar, and the fragment of the other was ‘recognized—utilized as a roller for the station roads by a utilitarian member of the Civil Service.’ The most complete shaft, bereft, however, of its capital, is the Allahabad pillar, to which a pedestal was added by Captain Smith, but which was again thrown down and re-erected by Jahangir (in 1605) to commemorate his accession. Four other Asokan pillars are in much damaged condition at Rampurwa, Nigliva, Rummindei, and Sarnath. ‘It is more than probable that each of these Asokan pillars stood in front of, or in connexion with, some *stūpa* or building of some sort. At least we know that six or seven can be traced at Sanchi, and nearly an equal number at Amaravati, and, in the representation of topes at the latter place, these *lats* are frequently represented both outside and inside the rails. At Karle one still stands in front of the great cave.’ The pillar at Eran, and the iron pillar at Mehrauli, near Delhi, belong to the Gupta period; the pillar at Pathari in Bhopal is ascribed to Rastrakuta King Parabala (A.D. 861).