Ashoka Pillar near Vidisha is situated close to the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa at
Sanchi. The pillar was built during the reign of Emperor
Ashoka around the 3rd century BC. The main feature of this pillar is its brilliant polish that has lost none of its lustre. The pillar is a good example of the Greco-Buddhist style and is known for its aesthetic proportions and exquisite structural balance. The pillar consists of the shaft and the crown. The crown comprises the famous four lions standing back to back and it is now preserved in the museum. This figure has been selected as the National Emblem of India.
Sanchi is well-connected by road, rail and air networks. The nearest airport is at Bhopal which is 46 km away. Vidisha is the closest railhead, just 10 km away.
