PILLAR ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA
Constructing pillars is an old tradition. In fact, Harappans were using pillars as part of their houses, though these pillars were extremely simple, made up of bricks (Not holding much architectural significance).
However, the pillar architecture, in its proper form started during the Mauryan Period.
Two broad categories of Mauryan Pillars:
Pillars as part of Palaces.
Pillars erected by Ashoka.
Mauryan Palaces (Pataliputra)
WOODEN PALACE built by Chandragupta Maurya: In this palace, wooden pillars were used. Megasthenes left a detailed account of this palace and described it as one of the greatest creations of mankind.
STONE PALACE built by Ashoka: In this palace, stone pillars were used. These pillars had a glossy polish (known as Mauryan Polish) on their surface.
Th e “Lion Capital of Ashoka”, from Sarnath.
Pillars erected by Ashoka (DHAMMA STHAMBHA)
These Ashokan Pillars were erected by emperor Ashoka throughout his extensive empire. These pillars were cut out at Mathura and Chunar (Stone cutting centres) and then
transported to different places.
Structure of Ashokan Pillar:
Four parts of Ashokan Pillar
Shaft Generally Monolithic (not always)
Bell-shaped portion It was put over the shaft (Often termed as inverted Lotus)
Abacus A circular platform on which the crowning animal was placed.
Capital Crowning animal was the topmost component. Example: Single Lion capital, Four Lions capital, Bull capital or Elephant capital.
St ructure of Ashokan Pillar
Ashokan pillar a t Vaishali
Different Capitals at various locations:
| Capital | Location |
| Single Lion Capital | Vaishali, Sanchi, Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh |
| Four Lions sitting back-to-back | Sanchi and Sarnath |
| Bull Capital | Rampurva |
| Elephant Capital | Sunkisa Pillar, Farrukhabad (UP) |
PILLAR ARCHITECTURE IN POST-MAURYAN PERIOD
During this phase, Heliodorus, an ambassador from the Indo- Greek king Antialcidas, erected a pillar dedicated to the deity Garuda during the reign of Shunga ruler Bhagabhadra. This pillar came to be known as the Heliodorus Pillar.
Heliodorus pillar in Vidisha, MP
PILLAR ARCHITECTURE DURING GUPTA AGE
Mehrauli Iron Pillar was the only notable pillar, erected during this time period by the Gupta ruler Chandragupta II at Udayagiri (MP).
The pillar was moved to its current location (Mehrauli Delhi) by Sultan Iltutmish.
Mehrauli Iron Pillar (Constructed by Chandragupta II)