Prayagraj: The Allahabad Museum is set to offer devotees from across the globe a glimpse into India’s glorious past during Maha Kumbh as visitors will be introduced to the iconic Ashoka Pillar, inscribed with the Prayag Prashasti of Emperor Samudragupta, showcasing the rich heritage and enduring legacy of ancient India.
The double-engine government is fully dedicated to making the Maha Kumbh an unforgettable mega-event. As part of this initiative, the Allahabad Museum has decided to create miniature replicas of the iconic Ashoka Pillar as souvenirs for visitors during the Mahakumbh.
This will allow devotees from across the country and abroad to not only immerse themselves in the spiritual aura of the event while bathing in the Ganga but also take home a piece of its historical significance.
Deputy Curator of the Allahabad Museum Dr Rajesh Mishra emphasised that preparations are in full swing to fulfill the government's vision of making the world's largest cultural event, the Mahakumbh, a new, grand, and unforgettable experience.
He said, "The museum is actively contributing to this effort. During the Maha Kumbh, a replica of Emperor Ashoka's pillar will be displayed for devotees from across the country and abroad. The inscription on this pillar, known in history as the Prayag Prashasti, makes mention of Emperor Ashoka's wife, Karuvaki."
Dr Mishra said, "The inscription details how Emperor Ashoka's wife donated mango orchards to Buddhists in Kaushambi. Additionally, the pillar features inscriptions from Emperor Samudragupta, engraved in Champu style and Sanskrit language. These inscriptions, composed by Harishena, the ‘Sandhi-Vigrahika’ of Emperor Samudragupta, blend prose and poetry to highlight the Emperor's remarkable achievements."
Samudragupta is renowned as the first emperor to envision and strive for the dream of 'Akhand Bharat'. His triumphs are vividly chronicled in the Prayag Prashasti, inscribed around the fourth century AD. Known as an invincible warrior, Samudragupta remained undefeated in battle. Each of his conquests was driven by the singular goal of building a unified and harmonious India.