Mauryan Architecture: Court Arts, Pillars, and Differences

Introduction

Mauryan architecture was influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. It was divided into court art and popular art based on the presence or absence of state patronage.

Royal Court Arts: Palaces, Pillars, and Symbolism in Ancient India

It includes the architectural works commissioned by rulers. It was used for political as well as religious purposes. 

• The Magnificent Palaces of Ancient India
  • Wooden Structure: Ashoka’s Palace at Kumrahar was a three-storey massive wooden structure with a high central pillar. 
  • Inspiration: The Palace of Chandragupta Maurya was inspired by the Achaemenid palaces at Persepolis in Iran. 
    • As per Megasthenes, it was one of the greatest creations of mankind.
• Pillars of Power: Ashoka’s Monuments and Their Symbolic Significance
  • Ashoka’s pillar inscriptions were built as a symbol of the state and to commemorate battle victories.
  • The pillars were usually made of Chunar sandstone.
  • The pillar is made up of four parts:
    • Shaft: The shaft formed the base and was made up of a single piece of stone or monolith.
    • Capital: It lays above the shaft and could be either lotus-shaped or bell-shaped. The bell-shaped pillars, influenced by Iranian pillars, are known for their lustrous and polished finish.
    • Abacus: On the top of the capital, there was a circular or rectangular base known as the Abacus on which animal figures were placed.
    • Capital Figure: They are usually figures of animals like bull, lion, elephant etc.
  • Examples: Some of the existing pillars with capital figures were found at Basarah-Bakhira, Lauriya Nandangarh and Rampurva (Bull) in Bihar, Sankisa and Sarnath (Lion) in Uttar Pradesh.

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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ASHOKAN AND ACHAEMENIAN PILLARS

Conclusion

• Court arts serve as invaluable records of historical narratives, offering insights into the tastes, values, and power dynamics of royal courts across civilizations. 
  • Their preservation is essential for understanding our collective heritage.