Ashoka was a patron of Buddhism therefore he used many symbols that are relevant in Buddhism as motifs in the Ashokan pillar. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant.
Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasised on non-violence and mutual respect. It encompassed a social and intellectual code of ethics. It focused on primacy of ethical behaviour and the recognition of the dignity of human life.
Seven major pillar edicts have been found at Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Nigali Sagar, Sarnath, Topra, and Meerut. Ashokan pillars probably signify the axis of the world (axis mundi) that separated heaven and earth.
EXAMIANS