The Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka pillars in Bihar are part of a larger “Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict sites along the Mauryan Routes” on UNESCO’s Tentative List. This moves them closer to official World Heritage Site status and brings attention to their profound historical and cultural significance as monumental remnants of Emperor Ashoka’s rule.
Background on the Ashokan pillars and nomination
- Part of a larger series:
These sites are part of a broader “serial nomination” of Ashokan Edict locations along Mauryan trade routes across India. Other sites are located in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. - Significance of the edicts:
The edicts were inscribed on pillars and rock surfaces by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. They offer crucial insights into his policies, moral philosophy (Dhamma), and the geographical reach of his empire. - Craftsmanship and durability:
Carved from finely polished sandstone, these pillars showcase the remarkable skill of Mauryan artisans. Their distinctive Mauryan polish and intricate carvings have survived for more than 2,000 years. - Protection:
The Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh pillars are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). - Official status:
As of 21 July 2025, the pillars have not yet been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List but remain under active consideration.
Key points about the two Bihar pillars
- Rampurva Ashoka Pillar
- Location: Located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, close to the India–Nepal border.
- Discovery and capitals: Excavated in 1876, the site revealed two pillars along with two capitals—a lion capital and a notable sandstone bull capital.
- Current location of capitals: The lion capital is housed in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, while the bull capital is displayed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
- Inscriptions: The inscriptions, written in the Brahmi script, contain Ashoka’s edicts emphasizing dharma (morality), non-violence, and social harmony.
- Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar
- Location: Situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar, near the Burhi Gandak River.
- Inscriptions: This sandstone pillar bears inscriptions of Ashoka’s first six major Pillar Edicts.
- Crowning capital: The pillar is distinguished by its round abacus and a single lion serving as the crowning figure.
The path toward World Heritage status
Inclusion on the UNESCO Tentative List does not guarantee final inscription. The World Heritage Committee must evaluate the sites against specific cultural criteria, including:
- Demonstrating an important interchange of human values over time or within a cultural area.
- Bearing unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or civilization.
- Representing an outstanding example of a building, architectural ensemble, technological system, or landscape illustrating a significant stage in human history.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
With reference to the Ashoka Pillars at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, consider the following statements:
I. Both sites are part of India’s “Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict sites along the Mauryan Routes” on the UNESCO Tentative List
II. The capital of the Lauriya Nandangarh pillar features a single lion statue, while the Rampurva pillar has a bull capital
III. The bull capital from Rampurva is currently housed in the National Museum in New Delhi
IV. The pillars at both sites are inscribed with all seven of Ashoka’s Major Pillar Edicts
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) Only four
Answer: c
Explanation: Statement I is correct: The “Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes” is a serial nomination on India’s UNESCO Tentative List, and it includes the sites of the pillars at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh. Inclusion in this list is a mandatory step before a formal nomination for World Heritage Site status can be made. Statement II is correct: The Lauriya Nandangarh pillar has a single seated lion capital. The Rampurva site actually has two pillars, one with a magnificent bull capital and another with a lion capital. Statement III is correct: The famous and highly polished sandstone bull capital from Rampurva is an important piece of Mauryan art and is preserved at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, rather than its original site in Bihar. Statement IV is Incorrect: The Lauriya Nandangarh pillar is inscribed with the first six of Ashoka’s Major Pillar Edicts. While seven edicts are found across various pillars, no single pillar necessarily contains all seven. The seventh edict is found on the Delhi-Topra pillar.
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