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.
Kushans were most probably one of the five branches of the Yuezhi confederation. Kujula Kadphises was the first Yuezhi chief and he laid the foundation of the Kushana Empire in India. He established his supremacy over Kabul, Kandahar, and Afghanistan.