Repost from @kvinod22 Here I am sharing my article with you that how #monuments are affected from air pollution. One of the most priceless parts of India’s ancient history, the #AshokaPillar is in grave danger of deterioration. Situated in the heart of the capital city of #Delhi, this important piece of #Buddhist relic is showing signs of decay. This has come as shock not only to the conservationists but to ordinary Indians as well for whom the pillar is a mix of grandeur, valor, peace, compassion and above all mystery. Mystery because Ashoka pillars have stood the test of times whether it was climate, conquerors or marauders. They have been there since 273 BC without fail. Kings have come and gone, powers have changed but the pillars have withered all kinds of storms withholding story which none has been able to decipher and challenge. But now all this is set for a tragic and unfortunate change if measures are not taken up fast. The pillar seems to be giving in to the test of times finally. Cracks have developed and a large part of inscriptions have flaked off. The damage seems to be done and reasons are at the moment not known maybe air pollution. This pillar is one of a series of pillars erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka between 273 and 236 BC. These pillars are inscribed with edicts of the great king Ashoka. Originally there may have been hundreds erected all over in the subcontinent but only 19 survived. Each pillar weighs up to 50 tons and rises to a height of 12 to 15 meters (40 to 50 feet). All the pillars were built at Buddhist monasteries. Many of these carried inscriptions addressed to the monks and some were erected to commemorate visits of Ashoka. Two Chinese medieval pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang recorded 21 of them of which only five can be identified with the existing pillars. One of the few surviving Ashokan pillars is this particular pillar located in central Delhi’s #FerozeshahKotla area.