A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c9.s1.12

c9.s1.12

The known existing monuments of art dating from Asoka's reign are not very numerous, but it is not improbable that more may be discovered. His buildings having perished, our direct knowledge of the art strictly contemporary with him is derived from his inscriptions, the carvings and sculptures on his monolithic columns, and some independent statuary. The inscriptions are mentioned on account of their beautiful execution. The most faultless example is the brief record on the Rummindēī Pillar, which is as perfect as on the day it was incised;¹ but, almost without exception, all are models of careful and accurate stone-cutting. The craft of the skilled mason and stone-cutter, so closely akin to fine art, reached perfection in the days of Asoka, as appears from every detail of the work, and especially from examination of the beautifully polished surface of the monoliths and the interior of the cave dwellings dedicated by him and his grandson in the hills of Bihār.