Lion capital, Ashokan column, detail, 3rd Century B.C. Sarnath, Museum

Date

Authors

Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

Description

The next Asokan column we consider is in excellent condition even after having suffered a fall by apparently natural causes, As this detail of a humped bull shows, Asoka's imperial craftsmen were adept at their art and gave loving attention to the finish their creations bore, A simple but effectively balanced composition of alternating 'flowers' and animals encircles the abacus, It is likely that the 'flowers' are miniature 'Great Wheel' symbols referring to the Great Wheel of the Law said to have been set in motion by the Buddha,

Keywords

Mauryan Period: Ancient India, architecture, mounted transparency set

Citation

Source

Type

Image

Archives Series

Basham Collection

Date created

circa 1970s

Access Statement

License Rights

This image is provided for research purposes only and must not be reproduced without the prior permission of the Archives Program, Australian National University.

DOI

Restricted until

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