The Allahabad Pillar, also known as the Ashoka Stambha, bears inscriptions from three different rulers: Ashoka Maurya, Samudragupta, and Jahangir.
The Ashokan edicts inscribed on the pillar include:
Major Pillar Edict I – Outlines Ashoka’s principle of protecting his people.
Major Pillar Edict II – Defines Dhamma as refraining from sin, cultivating virtues such as compassion, generosity, truthfulness, and purity.
Major Pillar Edict III – Condemns sins like harshness, cruelty, anger, and pride.
Major Pillar Edict IV – Discusses the duties of Rajukas (officials responsible for governance and justice).
Major Pillar Edict V – Lists animals and birds that must not be killed on certain days and others that should never be killed. Also mentions Ashoka’s release of 25 prisoners.
Major Pillar Edict VI – Explains Ashoka’s Dhamma policy.
Major Pillar Edict VII – Highlights Ashoka’s efforts to promote Dhamma and emphasizes that all religious sects seek self-control and mental purity.
