Question

What do you mean by Pillars? What are their types?

Hint:

When discussing Ashokan Pillars, always remember to mention their three key features: monolithic shaft, Mauryan polish, and the distinct animal capital. The Sarnath Lion Capital is the most important example to describe in detail, as it is India's National Emblem.

Answer 1

In the context of ancient Indian history and art, "Pillars" primarily refer to the magnificent, freestanding columns erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. These pillars are considered masterpieces of Mauryan art and are a significant symbol of Ashoka's reign and his policy of Dhamma.
Meaning and Characteristics of Ashokan Pillars:
Ashokan pillars are monolithic, meaning they are carved from a single block of stone, typically chunar sandstone. They are not part of any larger architectural structure but stand independently. Their primary purpose was to disseminate Ashoka's royal edicts and his message of Dhamma (righteous conduct) to the public.
Key Characteristics:

Monolithic Shaft: The shaft of the pillar is a single piece of stone, tapering towards the top. It has a smooth, highly polished surface, often referred to as "Mauryan polish," which gives it a lustrous appearance.
Capital: The top part of the pillar is known as the capital. It consists of three main parts: \begin{enumerate}
Base: A bell-shaped or lotus-shaped base (inverted lotus).
Abacus: A platform above the base, which can be square or circular. It is often decorated with relief carvings of animals or floral motifs (like the Dharma Chakra).
Crowning Animal Sculpture: A sculpture of one or more animals, seated or standing, placed on top of the abacus. These animal figures are carved with remarkable realism. \end{enumerate}
Types of Ashokan Pillars:
The pillars can be classified based on two main criteria: their crowning animal sculpture and the presence of inscriptions.
1. Classification by Crowning Animal:

Lion Pillars: This is the most common type. Some have a single lion (e.g., Lauriya-Nandangarh, Vaishali), while the most famous one at Sarnath has four lions seated back-to-back. The Lion Capital of Sarnath is the National Emblem of India.
Bull Pillars: A pillar with a single bull capital was found at Rampurva. This bull is celebrated for its powerful and realistic depiction.
Elephant Pillars: A pillar with an elephant capital is found at Sankassa. The elephant symbolizes the conception of Prince Siddhartha (the future Buddha).
Horse Pillars: Although no complete pillar with a horse capital has been found in situ, fragments suggest their existence. A pillar at Rummindei (Lumbini) is believed to have originally been crowned by a horse.
2. Classification by Inscriptions:

Pillars with Edicts: Most of the surviving pillars are inscribed with Ashoka's edicts. These are known as the Pillar Edicts, where Ashoka explains his policies of Dhamma and instructs his officials.
Pillars without Edicts: Some pillars, like the one at Vaishali with a single lion capital, do not have any inscriptions. These were likely erected for commemorative or symbolic purposes rather than for proclaiming edicts.