2. Image of an unknown king, Buddhist statue
from Gandhara, Schist, 1st-2nd Century AD.
National Museum Institute. New Delhi.
3. [L] Code of Hammurabi (1724-1682 BC)
[R] Adoration of solar pillar, Sanchi torana, 1st Cent. AD
4. Biblical References to the pillar (c. 1000 BC)
The king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant
before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his
commandments, his decrees, and his statuettes with
all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of
this Law that were written in this book. And all the
people joined in the covenant.
II King 13:3
…..behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the
manner was, and the princess and trumpeters by the
king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew
with trumpets.
II Kings 11:14
5. Ashoka edict in Brahmi inscription reads:
‘This is a decree of King Piyadasi, beloved of God. There
shall be no more killing of animals whatsoever, and no
festival shall be held, for King Piyadasi, beloved of God sees
much evil in this.
6. ‘Eran Coin’ in Barahmi is read from left to
right. It demonstrates that the coin is a
bridge between Kharoshti and Brahmi of the
later period written from left to right.
8. [L] The 2nd century Brahmi inscription on a pillar from
Amaravati identifies perfumer Hamgha and his family.
[R] Silver Scroll in Kharoshti inscription,
Dharmarajika Stupa, Taxila, 1st century AD
9. [L]Seal engraved in Kharosthi script read from right to left.
[R] The Kharoshti inscription is precisely dated to the year
122 (AD 38).
11. To avoid falsehood is dharma:
Evil of Falsehood referred to in literature
Calcutta-Bairat rock-inscription
• The Vinaya-samuksa.
• The Aliya-vasas.
• The Anagata-bhayas.
• Tthe Muni-gathas.
• The Moneya-suta.
• The Upatisa-pasina.
• The Laghulovada, all contain the words of the
luminous Lord (Bahgavata budhe) concerning
falsehood.
12. King Ashoka initiated drum beat that resounded of morality and
showed to the people representations of aerial chariots,
elephants, and divine figures of luminous beings radiant like fire or
aggikhandha.
[L] Kushana gold coin depicts luminous ‘Boddo’ inscribed in Greek
within double aureole. [R] Besides the sun disc halo the sculpture
from Gandhara is gilded with gold to simulate radiance of the sun.
1st -2nd Century AD
