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 In the context of Mauryan Architecture, consider the following statements:
  1. The Lion Capital at Sarnath was built in commemoration of the historical event of Mahaparinirvana.
  2. The Bull capital of Ashoka from Rampurva has a mixture of both Persian and Indian elements.
  3. Ashokan pillars were usually made of Chunar sandstone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
In the context of Mauryan Architecture, consider the following stateme...
  • The tradition of constructing pillars is very old and it may be observed that the erection of pillars was prevalent in the Achaemenid empire as well. But the Mauryan pillars are different from the Achaemenid pillars. The Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars thus displaying the carver’s skills, whereas the Achaemenid pillars are constructed in pieces by a mason. 
  • Stone pillars were erected by Ashoka, which have been found in the north Indian part of the Mauryan Empire with inscriptions engraved on them. Ashokan pillars are quite similar to each other in form and dimensions. They are made of sandstone quarried at Chunar. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 
  • The top portion of the pillar was carved with capital figures like the bull, the lion, the elephant, etc. All the capital figures are vigorous and carved standing on a square or circular abacus. Abacuses are decorated with stylised lotuses. Some of the existing pillars with capital figures were found at Basarah-Bakhira, LauriyaNandangarh, and Rampurva in Bihar, Sankisa and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • The Mauryan pillar capital found at Sarnath popularly known as the Lion Capital is the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition. It is also our national emblem. It is carved with considerable care—the voluminous roaring lion figures firmly standing on a circular abacus which is carved with the figures of a horse, a bull, a lion and an elephant in vigorous movement. This capital was built by Ashoka in commemoration of the historical event of the first sermon or the Dharmachakrapravartana by the Buddha at Sarnath. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. 
  • Rampurva Bull capital is a magnificent third century B.C. sandstone capital. It gets the name from the site of its discovery, Rampurva in Bihar. The Rampurva Bull is noted for its delicately sculpted model demonstrating superior representation of soft flesh, sensitive nostrils, alert ears, and strong legs. It has a mixture of Indian and Persian elements. Whereas the motifs on the base, atop the inverted lotus, the rosette, palmette, and the acanthus ornaments are not Indian features, the bull capital is a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship. The Rampurva Bull sculpture is said to have a velvet touch. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
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Most Upvoted Answer
In the context of Mauryan Architecture, consider the following stateme...
The correct answer is option 'B' - 2 and 3 only.

Explanation:
1. The Lion Capital at Sarnath was built in commemoration of the historical event of Mahaparinirvana: Incorrect
- The Lion Capital at Sarnath is an important piece of Mauryan architecture, but it was not built in commemoration of the historical event of Mahaparinirvana. Instead, it was erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to mark the location where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The capital consists of four lions standing back to back on a cylindrical abacus, which is adorned with various symbols, including a Dharma Chakra and a bull.

2. The Bull capital of Ashoka from Rampurva has a mixture of both Persian and Indian elements: Correct
- The Bull capital of Ashoka from Rampurva is an excellent example of Mauryan architecture. It was discovered in Rampurva, Bihar, and is now displayed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. This capital features a depiction of a bull, which is believed to symbolize power and strength. It is notable for its unique blend of Persian and Indian elements. The Persian influence can be seen in the style of the bull, which resembles the Persian Achaemenid style, while the Indian influence is evident in the decorative details and the lotus flower motif.

3. Ashokan pillars were usually made of Chunar sandstone: Correct
- Ashokan pillars were typically made of Chunar sandstone, which is a fine-grained, buff-colored sandstone. This stone was commonly used during the Mauryan period due to its durability and ease of carving. The pillars were monolithic, meaning they were carved from a single piece of stone. The pillars varied in height, with some reaching up to 50 feet tall. They were inscribed with edicts and messages from Emperor Ashoka, promoting principles of moral conduct and social welfare.

In conclusion, the correct statements are:
- The Bull capital of Ashoka from Rampurva has a mixture of both Persian and Indian elements.
- Ashokan pillars were usually made of Chunar sandstone.
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In the context of Mauryan Architecture, consider the following statements: The Lion Capital at Sarnath was built in commemoration of the historical event of Mahaparinirvana. The Bull capital of Ashoka from Rampurva has a mixture of both Persian and Indian elements. Ashokan pillars were usually made of Chunar sandstone.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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