Public Works



                                                                                                     building    
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.

                                                                                                             lion
 

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.

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 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.


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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.

                                             pillar                                                                    stupa
http://www.webindia123.com/history/ANCIENT/mauryan%20empire/mauryan2.htm (Suni System 2000-2002)
http://www.archaeology.org/online/news/deorkothar/