Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c15.s1.t8: Aśoka as a Builder
Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c15.s1.t8
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Aśoka as a Builder
c15.s1.t8.1
The gift of cave dwellings to the Ājīvika monks affords us a glimpse into another side of Aśoka's activity. As late as the fifth century A.D., sojourners in Pāṭaliputra were struck with wonder at the magnificence of the emperor's architectural achievements. Tradition credits him with the construction of a splendid palace besides numerous relic mounds, monasteries and temples. He is actually known to have enlarged the *stūpa* of Konākamana, a 'former Buddha' and a predecessor of Śākyamuni. He also set up 'pillars of morality' *Dharma-stambhas*. Modern critics are eloquent in their praise of the polished surface of his columns and the fine workmanship of their crowning sculptures.²
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² For Aśoka's achievements in the domain of art, see Smith, *HFAIC*, 13, 57 ff.; *Aśoka*, pp. 107 ff; CHI, 618 ff; Havell, ARI, 104 ff, etc.