The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a sculpture of four lions standing back to back on a circular abacus, mounted on a bell-shaped base. The capital is 2.34 metres (7.7 feet) high and is made of sandstone. It is one of the most famous sculptures from ancient India and is considered to be a masterpiece of Indian art.
The Lion Capital was originally located at the top of the Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi, a Buddhist stupa in central India. The pillar was erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The capital was removed from the pillar in the 19th century and is now on display at the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
The Lion Capital is a symbol of Indian SovereigntySovereignty and national pride. It is also a symbol of BuddhismBuddhism and the teachings of the Buddha. The four lions represent the four noble truths of Buddhism: suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path to the end of suffering. The abacus is decorated with a frieze of animals, including elephants, horses, and bulls. The bell-shaped base is decorated with lotus petals.
The Lion Capital is a masterpiece of Indian art. It is a powerful and evocative symbol of Indian culture and history. It is a reminder of the rich and complex heritage of India.
- Lion Capital
- History
- Design
- Symbolism
- Sanchi Stupa
- History
- Architecture
- Significance
Lion Capital
History:
- Erected by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire (circa 250 BCE)
- Originally located in Sarnath, India, commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon
- Currently, the capital is housed in the Sarnath Museum, with a replica marking the original site
Design:
- Crafted from a single block of polished sandstone
- Four majestic Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, symbolizing strength and vigilance
- A drum-shaped abacus adorned with four animal reliefs – lion, elephant, bull, and horse – representing the Mauryan empire’s dominion
- Bell-shaped lotus base symbolizing purity and spiritual growth
Symbolism:
- The lions represent Dharma, the Buddha’s teachings, and their powerful stance signifies their far-reaching impact
- The four animals on the abacus possibly represent the چرخ (chakra) or “wheel of law,” a central Buddhist symbol
- The overall design embodies the Mauryan empire’s power, the spread of Buddhism, and the path to enlightenment
Sanchi Stupa
History:
- Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, though later enlargements occurred
- Located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One of the oldest stone structures in India and a significant Buddhist monument
Architecture:
- Hemispherical dome (anda) symbolizing the universe
- Square base with a circumambulatory path (pradakshinapatha) for devotees to walk around
- Four ornate gateways (toranas) facing the cardinal directions, depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and Jataka tales
- Elaborate carvings and reliefs adorning the gateways and railings, showcasing Mauryan art and Buddhist narratives
Significance:
- A testament to early Buddhist architecture and artistic expression
- Represents the Mauryan empire’s patronage of Buddhism and its spread across India
- A pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a window into ancient Indian history and culture
- The Sanchi Stupa’s influence is evident in later Buddhist monuments across Asia
The Sanchi Stupa
The Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist stupa located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. The stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sanchi Stupa was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The stupa is a hemispherical dome that is surrounded by a railing and a balustrade. The railing is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. The balustrade is decorated with animal sculptures.
The Sanchi Stupa has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. The most recent renovation was completed in 1919.
The Sanchi Stupa is a popular tourist destination. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
FAQS
What is the Lion Capital of Ashoka?
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a sculpture of four lions standing back to back on a circular abacus, mounted on a bell-shaped base. The capital is 2.34 metres (7.7 feet) high and is made of sandstone. It is one of the most famous sculptures from ancient India and is considered to be a masterpiece of Indian art.
Where is the Lion Capital of Ashoka located?
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is currently on display at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It was originally located at the top of the Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi, a Buddhist stupa in central India.
What is the significance of the Lion Capital of Ashoka?
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a symbol of Indian Sovereignty and national pride. It is also a symbol of Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha. The four lions represent the four noble truths of Buddhism: suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path to the end of suffering. The abacus is decorated with a frieze of animals, including elephants, horses, and bulls. The bell-shaped base is decorated with lotus petals.
What is the Sanchi Stupa?
The Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist stupa located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. The stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When was the Sanchi Stupa built?
The Sanchi Stupa was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
What is the significance of the Sanchi Stupa?
The Sanchi Stupa is a popular tourist destination. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
Where is the original location of the famous four lion capital?
Originally erected in Sarnath, India, to commemorate the Buddha’s first sermon.
What is the historical importance of the dome-shaped structure with intricate carvings?
One of the oldest stone structures in India, it’s a significant Buddhist monument commissioned by Emperor Ashoka.
What do the elaborate carvings on the gateways of the structure depict?
Scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales, offering a glimpse into Buddhist narratives.
What is the purpose of the circular path surrounding the dome-shaped structure?
Devotees walk along this path (pradakshinapatha) as a form of circumambulation.
MCQS
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a sculpture of:
- (a) four lions standing back to back on a circular abacus, mounted on a bell-shaped base.
- (b) four elephants standing back to back on a circular abacus, mounted on a bell-shaped base.
- (CC) four horses standing back to back on a circular abacus, mounted on a bell-shaped base.
- (d) four bulls standing back to back on a circular abacus, mounted on a bell-shaped base.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is currently on display at:
- (a) the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
- (b) the National Museum in New Delhi.
- (C) the British Museum in London.
- (d) the Louvre Museum in Paris.
From which material is the famous ancient Indian sculpture with four lions carved?
- a) Marble
- b) Sandstone (Correct)
- c) Bronze
- d) Granite
What was the primary purpose of the four lions sculpture?
- a) To depict a hunting scene
- b) To commemorate a military victory (Close, but not the Buddha’s teachings)
- c) To mark the location of the Buddha’s first sermon (Correct)
- d) To serve as a decorative gateway
The hemispherical dome of a significant Buddhist monument symbolizes what?
- a) A royal crown
- b) The universe (Correct)
- c) A lotus flower
- d) A mountain peak
What are the four animal reliefs typically found on the base of the lion sculpture?
- a) Elephant, tiger, deer, and monkey
- b) Lion, elephant, horse, and bull (Correct)
- c) Snake, bird, fish, and frog
- d) Camel, rhinoceros, dog, and goat
The elaborate gateways of a famous Buddhist structure face which directions?
- a) East and west only
- b) North, south, east, and west (Correct)
- c) Diagonally positioned
- d) Inside the monument only