Sakatayana was a Jain writer of the 9th century A.D.He lived during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha. He was the founder of a new school. His main work was Sabdansusana.
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.