Public Works
The Mauryans built large pillars which still stand today.
Mauryan Structure
Asoka worked in practical ways to improve the lives of the people.
He set up hospitals for the sick people and animals and also had gardens
built.
This sculpture is found from the pillat of Asoka and beasts are the
lions of Sarnath. The wheel symbolizes Buddhist law.
Asoka's pillar. 32-foot high polished sandstone columns were built at
the time of Asoka's reign to commemorate events in Buddha's life or to
mark routes to holy sites. His laws and teachings would be carved into
the pillars and would be read by his officials at public meetings.
Sanchi Gate and Stupa. First built at time of Asoka and enlarged
over time. The stupa architectural form was originally a reliquary, but
eventally became the most characteristic form for a place of Buddhist worship.
At this time, Buddhism spread throughout the area ruled by the Mauryans.
Asoka put the remains of the of the literature in stupas, or sacred mounds,
to serve as pilgrimage destinations.
http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/udg/
This is the most striking monument of Ashoka.
Out of the numerous pillars erected throughout the extent of the Mauryan
empire. The one at
Saranath wich has four lions
is the most striking. This work of art has been used by the Indian Government
as its emblem till now. Besides these
works of art, rock cut caves, palaces
and buildings are exemplary as also noted by the Chinese pilgrim
Fa-hien.
Mauryan art reflected an influence of the sprit of the Persian
and Hellenistic art but the spirit of execution and perfect craftsmansship
accure it to
being solely Mauryan. The use of art for dispersing religion
exhibited through the edicts on stone pillars besides, the system of missionaries
for
propagating religion were notable features. The outstanding
level of craftsmanship speaks highly of the Mauryan period.
http://www.webindia123.com/history/ANCIENT/mauryan%20empire/mauryan2.htm
(Suni System 2000-2002)
http://www.archaeology.org/online/news/deorkothar/