Mauyan art and architecture, Asokan edicts: language and script

---

MAURYAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE), founded by Chandragupta Maurya, reached its peak under Ashoka the Great. This era marked a significant development in Indian art and architecture.

1. Phases of Mauryan Art

Mauryan art can be divided into two broad phases:

• Court Art – royal patronage, polished and sophisticated (e.g., pillars, palaces).
• Popular Art – folk elements, terracotta figurines, cave dwellings.

---

2. Types of Mauryan Art and Architecture

A. Pillars

• Inspired by Achaemenid (Persian) models.
• Made from Chunar sandstone, monolithic and highly polished.
• Composed of three parts:
  • Shaft (single stone, polished),
  • Capital (often with bell-shaped base),
  • Animal figure (like lion, bull, elephant).
• Best example: Lion Capital of Sarnath – adopted as National Emblem of India.
• Symbolism: Animals represent different directions; wheel (Dharma Chakra) denotes dharma.

B. Stupas

• Initially simple mounds containing relics of the Buddha.
• Ashoka enlarged and decorated them.
• Famous ones: Sanchi, Bharhut, Dhamek, and Sarnath.
• Sanchi Stupa: Semi-hemispherical dome, toranas (gateways), and railings with carvings of Jataka tales.

C. Cave Architecture

• Rock-cut caves for ascetics (Ajivikas and Buddhists).
• Examples: Barabar and Nagarjuni caves (Bihar).
• Features: Polished interiors, arched openings (Lomas Rishi Cave).
• Purpose: Meditation and residence.

D. Palace and Urban Architecture

• Megasthenes described Chandragupta’s palace at Pataliputra as magnificent (in Indica).
• Wood was widely used, though archaeological remains are minimal.
• Pillared halls and fortified cities.

E. Terracotta Art

• Common people’s art.
• Figurines of animals, humans, especially women with elaborate headgear.

---

ASHOKAN EDICTS: LANGUAGE AND SCRIPT

Emperor Ashoka (268–232 BCE) is known for spreading the message of Dhamma (moral law) through inscriptions on rocks and pillars across his empire.

---

1. Types of Edicts

Ashokan edicts are classified into two main categories:

A. Major Rock Edicts (14 in total)

• Located on large boulders/hills.
• Topics: administrative orders, ethical conduct, animal welfare, justice.

B. Minor Rock Edicts

• Personal beliefs, promotion of Buddhism, instructions to the public and officials.

C. Pillar Edicts

• Found on freestanding stone pillars.
• Focused on practical instructions and moral principles.
• Famous ones: Delhi-Topra, Sarnath, Lauriya-Araraj.

---

2. Language Used

Ashoka used vernacular languages to ensure the message reached common people.

• Prakrit (most commonly used)
  • Spoken form of Sanskrit, easily understood by the masses.
• Greek and Aramaic
  • Used in Kandahar (Afghanistan) region (for Hellenistic population).
• Tamil-Brahmi (debated)
  • Inscriptions in the southern regions like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

---

3. Script Used

• Brahmi Script (most widespread)
  • Used in North and Central India.
  • Written left to right.
  • Deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837.
• Kharosthi Script
  • Used in north-western regions (modern-day Pakistan/Afghanistan).
  • Derived from Aramaic.
  • Written right to left.
• Greek and Aramaic Scripts
  • In foreign-dominated border areas like Kandahar and Shar-i-Kuna.

---

4. Significance of Ashokan Edicts

• First official use of writing in Indian administration.
• Helped historians reconstruct Mauryan history and Ashoka’s policies.
• Promoted:
  • Religious tolerance
  • Animal welfare
  • Moral and ethical living
  • Bureaucratic governance and welfare state

---

5. Examples of Edicts

• Rock Edict XIII: Details the Kalinga War and Ashoka’s remorse.
• Pillar Edict VII: Summarizes Ashoka’s Dhamma.
• Minor Rock Edict I: Ashoka declares his conversion to Buddhism.

---

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Pillars	Monolithic, polished, animal capitals (e.g., lion)
Stupas	Relic mounds, decorated with railings and gateways
Caves	Barabar, Lomas Rishi; for monks/ascetics
Scripts Used	Brahmi (main), Kharosthi, Greek, Aramaic
Languages Used	Prakrit (main), Greek, Aramaic
Edicts Classification	Major Rock, Minor Rock, Pillar
Purpose of Edicts	Spread Dhamma, moral governance, religious harmony

---