The emperor Ashoka left a rock-inscription at the site containing several edicts, including two bearing conciliatory messages to the newly conquered people of Kalinga. Dates: mid 3rd C. BCE. Built by ...

Through a series of edicts carved in stone and placed throughout the empire, Ashoka proclaimed to his people the importance of Buddhist values and his beliefs about how his people should act.

“The museum is actively contributing to this effort,” he said. “During the Mahakumbh, a replica of Emperor Ashoka’s pillar will be displayed for devotees from across the country and abroa ...