This ancient pillar was discovered from
Purnia district of
Bihar. It is perfectly cylindrical and the surface is smooth and almost polished. It measures around 20 ft in height, of which just 7.5 ft is above the ground. The remaining length is hidden in the foundation of irregular layers of bricks and mortar. The pillar has a diameter of around 3 ft and has a hole at the top.
A gold coin belonging to the Indo–Scythian King Vasudeva has been unearthed from the bottom of the pillar. A figure of Lord Shiva with a trident in his hand is etched on its back side.
Though the polish on the surface of the pillar suggests a link to the Ashoka period, no solid evidence has been obtained in this regard. Hence it has been concluded in connection with the Indo – Scythian coin obtained from the foundation that the structure could well belong to the 2nd century.
