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.
The Pala ruler ‘Devapala’ was succeeded by Vigrahapala. Vigrahapala ruled for about 3 or 4 years after that, he abdicated his throne and began to live the life of an ascetic.