Discovered  by  the  now  famous  German  archaeolgist  Dr. Fuhrer
the  pillar  is  the  first  epigraphic  evidence  relating to the life
history  of  Lord  Buddha  and is also the most visible landmark of the
garden. The  historic  importance  of  the  pillar  is evidenced by the
inscription  engraved  in  the  pillar  (in Brahmi script). It is said 
that  the great Indian Emperor Ashok visited the site in the twentieth 
year  of  is ascendancy to the throne and as a homage to the birthplace
,erected  the pillar. The inscriptions in the pillar roughly translates
as: Kin Piyadesi beloved of th Gods, having been anointed 20 yeas, came
himself  and worshipped saying Here Buddha Shakyamuni was born: And he 
caused  to make  a stone (capital) representing a horse; and he caused 
(this)  stone pillar to be erected. Because the worshipful one was born
in the village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of 
wealth"