The Government is actively exploring the idea of creating an integrated circuit dedicated to the Ashokan rock and pillar edicts that dot the landscape of India. Drawing inspiration from the successful Buddhist circuit, this endeavour aims to showcase the historical and cultural significance of these remarkable edicts.
A recent report on tourism by the esteemed Niti Aayog highlights several locations where these rock edicts are scattered, including Girnar in Gujarat, Sopara in Maharashtra, Sannati in Karnataka, Yerragudi in Andhra Pradesh, and Dhauli and Jaugada in Odisha. One can also encounter famous Ashokan pillar edicts in Delhi, Meerut, Topra, Vaishali, Rampurva, and Lauriya-Nandangarh in Bihar. India, often hailed as the “Land of the Buddha”, holds immense significance in the origins of Buddhism, with Gautam Buddha having founded the religion here approximately 2,500 years ago.
Throughout ancient India, under the reign of Mauryan kings, Gupta rulers and Satavahana rulers, an array of splendid Buddhist stupas, viharas, chaityas, pillars, and rock edicts were erected.
Today, Buddhism boasts a global following of nearly 500 million adherents, solidifying its position as the fourth-largest religion globally.