From which of the following quarries stone wastaken for the Ashokan pi...
One of Ashoka’s first artistic programs was to erect the pillars that are now scattered throughout what was the Mauryan empire. The pillars vary from 40 to 50 feet in height. They are cut from two different types of stone—one for the shaft and another for the capital. The shaft was almost always cut from a single piece of stone. Laborers cut and dragged the stone from quarries in Mathura and Chunar, located in the northern part of India within Ashoka’s empire. The pillars weigh about 50 tons each. Only 19 of the original pillars survive and many are in fragments. The first pillar was discovered in the 16th century.
From which of the following quarries stone wastaken for the Ashokan pi...
The Ashokan pillars are famous for their unique design and the messages inscribed on them. These pillars were made using stones taken from various quarries across India. However, the most popular quarry used for the Ashokan pillars was the Chunar quarry.
Chunar Quarry:
The Chunar quarry is located near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its high-quality sandstone that is easy to carve and has a smooth texture. This quarry has been in use since ancient times and has been used for various constructions, including the famous Ashokan pillars.
Ashokan Pillars:
The Ashokan pillars were built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who ruled over India from 269 BCE to 232 BCE. These pillars were made to spread the message of peace, non-violence, and religious tolerance across the country. The pillars were also used as markers for the pilgrimage sites of Buddhism.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Ashokan pillars were made using stones from various quarries, but the most popular quarry used was the Chunar quarry. The high-quality sandstone from this quarry was easy to carve and had a smooth texture, making it perfect for the unique design of the Ashokan pillars.