Question

It is only with Ashoka that we can properly begin the history of the art and architecture of ancient India. In this context explain briefly:

A few features of the Ashokan Pillars.

Answer 1

A few features of Ashokan Pillars:
The Pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Northern Indian Subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed by the Mauryan King Ashoka. The most celebrated pillar is the pillar with the lion capital at Sarnath here, four lions are seated back to back, which symbolizes the different steps of Budha’s life. All these pillars are monolithic i.e., they are carved out of one piece of stone each pillar weighs about 50 tones. At the top of each such pillar is the capital which is also monolithic.