Topra Kalan

The original inscription on the Delhi-Topra Ashokan obelisk is primarily in Brahmi script, but the language was Prakrit, with some Pali and Sanskrit added later.

[3] This and other ancient lats (pillars, obelisk) have earned Feroz Shah Tughlaq and Delhi Sultanate fame for its architectural patronage.

The inscription on the 3rd century pillar describe King Devanampiya Piyadasi's[6] policies and appeal to the people and future generations of the kingdom in matters of dharma (just, virtuous life), moral precepts and freedoms.

Some extracts of the translation, per James Prinsep, are as follows:[3] Among high roads, I have caused fig trees to be planted that they may be for shade to animals and men......And let these and others the most skillful in the sacred offices discreetly and respectfully use their most persuasive efforts, acting on the heart and eyes of the children, for the purposes of imparting enthusiasm and instruction in dharma (religion).And whatsoever benevolent acts have been done by me, the same shall be prescribed as duties to the people who follow after me, and in this manner shall their influence and increase be manifest - by service to father and mother, by service to spiritual pastors, by respectful demeanor to the aged and full of years, by kindness to learned, to the orphan and destitute and servants and minstrel tribe.And religion increaseth among men by two separate processes - by performance of religious offices, and by security against persecution.

For such an object is all this done, that it may endure to my sons and sons' sons - as long the sun and the moon shall last.Let stone pillars be prepared and let this edict of dharma (religion) be engraven thereon, that it may endure unto the remotest ages.In 2015 April, Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister of Haryana, announced an allocation of INR 50 crore (INR 500 million) to build an Ashokan Edicts Archaeological Park at Topra Kalan village where seven Ashoka Pillars, eight Rock Edicts and other ancient structures of Mauryan Time will be constructed.

The inscriptions of Ashoka at Feroz Shah Kotla (I to VII edicts).
Transportation of the Topra pillar to Delhi. Sirat i-Firuz Shahi, 14th century illustration.
A close up of the inscription on the lat (obelisk).