Seven major pillar edicts have been found at Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Nigali Sagar, Sarnath, Topra, and Meerut. Ashokan pillars probably signify the axis of the world (axis mundi) that separated heaven and earth.
Kanishka was the third ruler of the Kushana empire. He was the grandson of Kadphises I, the founder of the Kushana empire. The famous Rabatak Inscription written on a rock in the Bactrian language and the Greek script presents valuable information on Kanishka.