Question

The 'Lion Capital' From Sarnath was made of:

• A. Polished sandstone
• B. Bronze
• C. Terracotta
• D. Ceramic

Hint:

Logic Tip: Ashokan pillars and Lion Capital are famous for Mauryan polished sandstone.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
The Lion Capital of Sarnath is one of the greatest masterpieces of Mauryan sculpture and serves as the: \[ National Emblem of India \] It was originally erected on top of an Ashokan pillar at Sarnath during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

Step 1:
The sculpture consists of:
• Four back-to-back lions
• Circular abacus
• Wheel motifs (Dharmachakra)
• Animal carvings such as elephant, horse, bull, and lion The lions symbolize:
• Power
• Courage
• Confidence
• Spread of Buddha's teachings

Step 2:
The Lion Capital was carved from: \[ Polished sandstone \] Mauryan sculptors developed an extraordinary polishing technique known as: \[ Mauryan polish \] This polish created:
• Mirror-like smoothness
• Fine reflective surface
• Elegant finish The sandstone used was highly refined and carefully sculpted.

Step 3:
Option (2): Bronze
The Lion Capital was carved from stone, not cast in bronze. Option (3): Terracotta
Terracotta is baked clay and unsuitable for monumental Ashokan pillars. Option (4): Ceramic
Ceramic materials were not used for this imperial monument.

Step 4:
The Lion Capital is historically significant because it:
• Represents Mauryan artistic excellence
• Symbolizes Buddhist ideals
• Became India's National Emblem
• Demonstrates advanced stone carving and polishing The Ashoka Chakra from the capital is also placed at the center of the Indian national flag.

Step 5:
Since the Lion Capital of Sarnath was made from polished sandstone, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(1) Polished sandstone}} \]