Question

Which of these sculptures was made during the Mauryan reign in the 3rd century BC?

• A. <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> The Kailasa temple of Velur
• B. <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> The Ashoka Pillars
• C. <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Sanchi Stupa
• D. <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Ajanta Caves

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> The Ashoka Pillars
C <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Sanchi Stupa

Carving out stone sculptures of larger size is believed to have begun in the Mauryan period with the Ashokan pillars. During this period, the Sanchi Stupa and the sculptures at Bharhut were also set up.