Question

The Mauryan pillar found at Sarnath, popularly known as the Lion Capital, did NOT contain the figure of ______.
1. Elephant
2. Cow
3. Horse
4. Bull

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Cow

The correct answer is Cow.

• In the abacus of the Sarnath pillar, four animals are shown representing four directions:
  • A galloping horse (west)- Represents the horse Kanthaka, which Buddha is said to have used for going away from princely life.
  • A bull (east)- Depicts the zodiac sign of Taurus, the month in which Buddha was born.
  • An elephant (south)- Depicts the dream of Queen Maya- a white elephant entering her womb.
  • A lion (north)- shows the attainment of enlightenment.
• The animals seem to follow each other turning the wheel of existence till eternity.
• Characteristics of Ashokan pillars are
  • Ashoka got the inspiration for such pillars from Persians and the Greeks.
  • They were generally monolithic and were made up of sandstone.
  • They were polished pillars like the Lion Capital of Ashoka from Sarnath. 
  • The similarity of architecture suggests that they were all sculpted by craftsmen from the same region.
  • The pillars have four component parts in two pieces.
  • The three sections of the capitals are made in a single piece, often of a different stone to that of the monolithic shaft to which they are attached by a large metal dowel