History of Mauryan Age: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Ancient History)

Explanation

Ashokan pillar architecture is characterized by tall, monolithic stone columns with tapering shafts, polished surfaces, and inscriptions. Examples of some Ashokan Pillars are The Sarnath Pillar (UP), Lauria Nandangarh & Lauria Araraj (Bihar). Statement (a) is correct: Highly polished surfaces, which give them a smooth, lustrous finish. The pillars, made of sandstone, were polished so well that they shine even today. This smooth finish shows the advanced craftsmanship of the Mauryan period. Statement (b) is correct: Monolithic design, meaning each pillar was carved from a single block of stone.These pillars were carved from huge blocks of stone and transported to various locations across the Mauryan Empire. Statement (c) is correct: Tapering shafts, which narrow slightly towards the top, add to their elegance. Statement (d) is incorrect: Ashoka’s stone pillars were not generally parts of architectural structures like temples or gateways. Instead, they were freestanding monolithic columns, typically used for inscription and public proclamation. These pillars were placed at important sites to commemorate events, convey royal edicts, and spread Ashoka’s Dhamma (moral code).

Explanation

The Ashokan Edicts are a series of inscriptions engraved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls across the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in the 3rd century BC.

Option (a) is correct: The Maski Edict, found in Karnataka, is unique for explicitly mentioning Ashoka’s personal name. It confirms that the titles "Devanampiya" and "Piyadassi" refer to Emperor Ashoka.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Special Kalinga Edicts, issued by Ashoka for Kalinga highlights his shift from violence to Dhamma, promoting moral living and ethical governance.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Rummindei Edict (also known as the Lumbini Pillar Inscription) was discovered at Rummindei (present-day Lumbini in Nepal), which is recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha commemorates Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini and his dedication to Buddhism.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Kalsi Edict, found in Uttarakhand, is the only Major Rock Edict in North India. It highlights Ashoka’s promotion of Dhamma and moral governance but does not mention his personal name, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map. Fig.: Ashoka Empire, 250 BC Map