Consider the following statements regarding the comparison between Mauryan pillars and Achaemenian pillars:
1. Mauryan pillars were monolithic, whereas Achaemenian pillars were constructed using multiple stone segments.
2. Mauryan pillar capitals had animal motifs like lions and bulls, while Achaemenian pillars featured floral designs and griffins.
3. Mauryan pillars had a highly polished surface, whereas Achaemenian pillars had a rougher finish with intricate carvings.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

Consider the following statements regarding the comparison between Mauryan pillars and Achaemenian pillars:
1. Mauryan pillars were monolithic, whereas Achaemenian pillars were constructed using multiple stone segments.
2. Mauryan pillar capitals had animal motifs like lions and bulls, while Achaemenian pillars featured floral designs and griffins.
3. Mauryan pillars had a highly polished surface, whereas Achaemenian pillars had a rougher finish with intricate carvings.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Mauryan pillars were monolithic, meaning they were carved from a single piece of stone and highly polished. Achaemenian pillars were built in segments, with separate bases, shafts, and capitals assembled together.

Statement 2 is correct: Mauryan capitals featured realistic animal motifs (lions, bulls, elephants), symbolizing Ashoka&rsquo;s Buddhist ideals. Achaemenian capitals displayed griffins, double-headed bulls, and floral motifs influenced by Mesopotamian and Egyptian styles.

Statement 3 is correct: Mauryan pillars had a highly polished surface, giving them a smooth, glossy look. Achaemenian pillars had a rougher finish, with detailed carvings rather than polishing.
&emsp; Comparison

Some of the Mauryan Pillars
● Sarnath Lion Capital (Uttar Pradesh): India&rsquo;s National Emblem.
● Lauriya-Nandangarh Pillar (Bihar): Ashokan edicts.
● Rampurva Bull Capital (Bihar): Bull figure on a lotus base.
● Topra and Meerut Pillars: Later moved to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

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E Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding the comparison between Mauryan pillars and Achaemenian pillars: 1. Mauryan pillars were monolithic, whereas Achaemenian pillars were constructed using multiple stone segments. 2. Mauryan pillar capitals had animal motifs like lions and bulls, while Achaemenian pillars featured floral designs and griffins. 3. Mauryan pillars had a highly polished surface, whereas Achaemenian pillars had a rougher finish with intricate carvings. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3