Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the Ashokan pillars:

1. These pillars were monolithic.
2. These pillars were polished.
3. Only lion capital was used on top of these pillars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 Only
Notes: Ashokan pillars were carved out of Chunar sandstone. Some Persian influence can be seen on these pillars, but they had many distinct local features. E.g. Ashoka pillars were monolithic i.e. they were carved out of a single piece of rock. Only the capital part was chiselled separately and put on top of the abacus. Also, these pillars were polished by master craftsmen. Hence, they have maintained their gloss till date. The capital on top of the pillar was based on animal motif like lion- four lions at Sarnath and Sanchi, one lion at Vaishali, bull- Rampurva and Elephant-Sankissa, etc. Thus, only statement 3 is incorrect.