In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.
Comprehension:

The Ashoka pillars are a series of columns (1)_____ in northern India by King Ashoka (2)______ his reign in the 3rd century BCE. (3)_____ pillars are inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan king. At an average (4)______ 50 feet in height and weighing up to 50 tons each, (5)______19 pillars survive today.