Which of the following components are part of the Sarnath Lion Capital...
- The Lion Capital discovered more than a hundred years ago at Sarnath, near Varanasi, is generally referred to as Sarnath Lion Capital. This is one of the finest examples of sculpture from the Mauryan period.
- Built-in commemoration of the historical event of the first sermon or the Dhammachakrapravartana by the Buddha at Sarnath, the capital was built by Ashoka.
- The capital originally consisted of five component parts:
- the shaft (which is broken in many parts now),
- a lotus bell base,
- a drum on the bell base with four animals proceeding clockwise,
- the figures of four majestic addorsed lions, and
- the crowning element, Dharamchakra, a large wheel, was also a part of this pillar. However, this wheel is lying in a broken condition and is displayed in the site museum at Sarnath.
- The capital without the crowning wheel, shaft, and the lotus base has been adopted as the National Emblem of Independent India.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
Which of the following components are part of the Sarnath Lion Capital...
Components of the Sarnath Lion Capital:
- The crowning element, Dharmachakra: The crowning element of the Sarnath Lion Capital is the Dharmachakra, which symbolizes the wheel of dharma or law. It is an important Buddhist symbol representing the teachings of the Buddha.
- The lotus bell base: The Sarnath Lion Capital features a lotus bell base, which is intricately designed and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the capital. The lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.
- The shaft: The shaft of the Sarnath Lion Capital connects the crowning element and the bell base. It is usually decorated with intricate carvings and designs, adding to the overall grandeur of the structure.
- The drum on the bell base with four animals proceeding clockwise: At the base of the Sarnath Lion Capital, there is a drum with four animals - a lion, an elephant, a horse, and a bull - that are depicted proceeding clockwise. These animals symbolize power, wisdom, energy, and steadfastness respectively.
Therefore, all the four components mentioned in the question - the crowning element, Dharmachakra, the lotus bell base, the shaft, and the drum with the four animals - are integral parts of the Sarnath Lion Capital. Each component contributes to the overall symbolism and significance of the capital, making it an important historical and cultural artifact.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.