The Mauryan Pillars are remarkable monolithic columns that were erected during the reign of the Mauryan emperors, particularly Ashoka the Great (circa 273–232 BCE). These pillars, crafted from a single piece of stone, showcase intricate artistry and architectural finesse, serving both functional and symbolic purposes. Here we will discuss the Mauryan Pillars, which will be helpful for UPSC Civil Service Art and Culture preparation.

Mauryan Pillars (4th and 2nd Century BC)

• The pillars were a key work as well as a striking feature of the Mauryan reign.
• These pillars still stand as a testament to the rich architecture that flourished during this Empire's reign.
• Mauryan art has reflected a perfect blend of Persian and Hellenistic art in some places. Despite this, the craftsmanship is clearly that of the Mauryan era.
• Despite the fact that creating pillars is an ancient practice, Mauryan pillars vary from pillars in other regions of the globe (such as Achaemenian pillars) in that they are rock-cut pillars, demonstrating the carver's talent.
• Two kinds of stone were used to chisel these pillars. Some are made of white sandstone from the Mathura region, while others are made of buff-colored fine-grained hard sandstone mined in Chunar near Varanasi.
• The similarity in the style of the pillars’ capitals implies that they were carved by workers from the same location.
• Capital is the topmost element of a pillar or column. Figures such as a bull, lion, elephant, and others were carved onto the upper half of the pillar.
• The capital figures (typically animals) are all carved standing on a square or circular abacus and are all forceful.
• Abacuses have stylized lotuses on them.
• The Lion Capital, a Mauryan pillar capital unearthed at Sarnath, is the best specimen of Mauryan sculpting tradition.
• King Ashoka erected many pillars across his territory.

Pillar Edicts and Inscriptions

The seven pillar edicts of Ashoka have been discovered in Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, Rampurva, Champaran, and Mehrauli:

• Pillar Edict I: Asoka's idea of people protection is enshrined in it.
• Pillar Edict II: Defines Dhamma as having the least sins, the greatest number of virtues, compassion, liberality, honesty, and purity.
• Pillar Edict III: Removes sins such as harshness, cruelty, rage, and pride, among others.
• Pillar Edict IV: Addresses the responsibilities of Rajukas.
• Pillar Edict V: A list of animals and birds that should not be slaughtered on certain days, as well as a separate list of species that should not be killed at all.
• Pillar Edict VI: Dhamma policy is mentioned in this pillar.
• Pillar Edict VII: Asoka's work towards Dhamma policy is documented in this pillar.

Minor Pillar Inscriptions

• Inscription on the Rummindei Pillar: Asoka’s visit to Lumbini and the exemption of Lumbini from taxation.
• Inscription on the Nigalisagar Pillar in Nepal: Asoka extended the height of Buddha Konakamana's stupa to twice its original size.

Major Pillar Inscriptions

• Sarnath Lion Capital was erected by Ashoka in Varanasi to commemorate Dhammachakrapravartana or Buddha's first discourse.
• Single lion on Vaishali Pillar in Bihar, with no inscription.
• Uttar Pradesh's Sankissa Pillar
• Champaran, Bihar: Lauriya-Nandangarth.
• Champaran, Bihar: Lauriya-Araraj
• Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad pillar.

Lion Capital, Sarnath

• Sarnath Lion Capital is the name given to the lion capital unearthed more than a century ago at Sarnath, near Varanasi.
• It was created by Ashoka in memory of 'Dhammachakrapravartana,' or Buddha's first discourse, and is one of the best specimens of Mauryan sculpture.
• It was originally made up of five parts:
  • The shaft of the pillar.
  • The lotus bell, also known as the base.
  • A clockwise rotation of four animals on a drum on the bell base (abacus).
  • Four magnificent addorsed (back to back) lions.
  • Dharamchakra/Dharmachakra, is the highest crowning element.
• Four Asiatic lions are placed back to back in the capital, with very powerful facial muscularity, symbolizing strength, courage, pride, and confidence.
• The sculpture's surface is highly polished, as is typical of the Mauryan era.
• A chakra (wheel) is shown in all four directions on the abacus (drum on the bell base), with a bull, a horse, an elephant, and a lion between each chakra.
• There are 24 spokes in each chakra. The Indian National Flag has this 24-spoke chakra.
• An inverted lotus capital supports the circular abacus. The National Emblem of Independent India is the capital without the shaft, the lotus bell, and the crowning wheel.
• Only three Lions are visible in Madhav Sawhey's insignia, with the fourth obscured from view.
• The abacus is likewise arranged such that just one chakra is visible in the center, with the bull on the right and the horse on the left.

Conclusion

The Mauryan Empire, one of ancient India's most illustrious dynasties, left behind a lasting legacy in the form of architectural marvels, one of which is the iconic Mauryan Pillars. These pillars stand as a testament to the empire's grandeur and the artistic achievements of that era. 

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the main ruler responsible for the construction of the Mauryan Pillars?

A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Ashoka the Great
C. Bindusara
D. Harshavardhana

2. What is depicted on the Lion Capital of Ashoka?

A. Four lions
B. A single elephant
C. A horse
D. A lotus flower

3. What type of rock is primarily used in the Mauryan Pillars?

A. Granite
B. Marble
C. Sandstone
D. Limestone

4. Which of the following statements is true about the inscriptions on the Mauryan Pillars?

A. They promote violence
B. They contain guidelines for ethical governance
C. They are written in Persian
D. They focus solely on military conquests

5. Where was the Lion Capital originally erected?

A. Bodh Gaya
B. Sarnath
C. Lumbini
D. Ajanta

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

1. Evaluate the architectural significance of the Mauryan Pillars in the context of ancient Indian art and culture.

Answer: The Mauryan Pillars represent a remarkable achievement in ancient Indian architecture and artistry. Constructed with precision, these pillars exhibit intricate carvings and detailed inscriptions that reflect the high level of craftsmanship during the Mauryan period. Their architectural design, characterized by the use of sandstone and the incorporation of symbols such as the lotus and animals, signifies the cultural and religious influences of the time. The pillars not only served a functional purpose but also acted as monuments conveying the ideological and moral values espoused by Emperor Ashoka. The artistic styles employed in these structures laid the groundwork for subsequent architectural developments in India and continue to inspire artists and historians alike.

2. Discuss the role of Emperor Ashoka in promoting Buddhism through the Mauryan Pillars.

Answer: Emperor Ashoka played a pivotal role in promoting Buddhism during his reign, and the Mauryan Pillars served as key instruments in this endeavor. Through the inscriptions on these pillars, Ashoka disseminated Buddhist teachings and advocated for principles such as non-violence, tolerance, and social welfare. The pillars acted as a medium for communicating his policies and reforms to the populace, reinforcing his commitment to Dharma. By erecting these pillars in strategic locations, Ashoka ensured that the messages reached diverse communities across his empire, effectively spreading Buddhism as a moral and ethical guide. The legacy of Ashoka's efforts is evident in the continued prominence of Buddhism in India and its global influence.

3. Analyze the historical context and significance of the Mauryan Pillars in the study of ancient Indian history.

Answer: The Mauryan Pillars emerge as significant historical artifacts that provide insights into the political, social, and religious dynamics of ancient India. Established during the Maurya Dynasty, particularly under Emperor Ashoka, these pillars symbolize the consolidation of power and the promotion of a unified ethical framework in a vast empire. The inscriptions found on the pillars serve as critical primary sources for understanding the governance philosophy of Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism. The historical context of the Mauryan period, marked by both territorial expansion and social reform, is reflected in the pillars' artistic and ideological content. Consequently, the Mauryan Pillars are indispensable for historians studying the complexities of ancient Indian civilization, offering a lens through which to examine the interplay of power, religion, and art.

Previous Year Questions on Mauryan Pillars

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018

Question: Which of the following statements about the Mauryan Pillars is correct?
A. They were built after the Gupta period.
B. They contain inscriptions promoting Buddhism.
C. They are primarily made of granite.
D. They served only as military markers.

Answer: B

Explanation: The Mauryan Pillars contain inscriptions that promote Buddhism and reflect Emperor Ashoka's commitment to spreading its teachings.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1)

Question: "The Mauryan Pillars are more than just architectural feats; they are historical documents." Discuss this statement in relation to the inscriptions on the pillars.

Answer: The Mauryan Pillars serve as historical documents due to the inscriptions that provide insights into the governance philosophy of Emperor Ashoka and the social conditions of the time. The edicts carved into the pillars outline principles of governance based on Buddhist ideals, including non-violence and social welfare. These inscriptions not only reveal Ashoka's commitment to Dharma but also reflect the broader societal changes occurring during the Mauryan period. As primary sources, the inscriptions contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient Indian history, marking a pivotal transition in governance and religious thought.