Identify the Following Terms

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The Answer is The Ashokan pillars are a series of columns dispersed throughout the northern Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan king Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BCE. These pillars are significant for their architectural and historical importance.

Ashoka, who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE, was an initially warlike emperor who, after the bloody conquest of the Kalinga region, converted to Buddhism and adopted a philosophy of non-violence and compassion. His transformation led to the spread of Buddhism within India and beyond.

The pillars are made out of sandstone and were quarried at Chunar, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and then transported throughout the empire. They are characterized by their polished finish, which has been compared to a mirror-like sheen, and the precision with which they were crafted. The pillars vary in height but are typically around 40 to 50 feet tall.

At the top of many pillars is a capital, which often includes sculptures of animals, such as lions, elephants, and bulls. The most famous of these is the lion capital from the Ashokan pillar at Sarnath, which has been adopted as the national emblem of India. This capital features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, pride, and confidence.

The pillars also carry inscriptions, known as the Edicts of Ashoka. These edicts are written in Brahmi script and were used to disseminate Ashoka's policies and directives to his subjects. The edicts cover a wide range of topics, from administrative instructions to moral exhortations, and reflect Ashoka's commitment to the Buddhist concept of Dhamma, which encompasses duty, law, and righteousness.

The Ashokan pillars are not only important artifacts of ancient Indian history but also a testament to the spread of Buddhism and the cultural and religious developments during the Mauryan Empire. They remain a subject of study for historians, archaeologists, and scholars interested in early Indian art and religion.

Identify the Following Terms

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