An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s18.t1.6

v1.c9.s18.t1.6

The Mauryan period (c. 322-185 B.C) introduced stone as part of architecture and for fashioning monolithic pillars with animal capitals, all with a shining polish. Excavations at KUMRAHAR, BULANDIBAGH and Kankarbagh have exposed extensive remains of massive timber palisades of the ancient city of PĀṬALIPUTRA, which is believed to have been founded a year before the death of Buddha, and which became the capital of the Magadhan empire shortly afterwards. The statement of Megasthenes that the wooden palisade had numerous gates and watch-towers surrounded by a deep moat does not necessarily make his contemporary Chandragupta Maurya the author of this complex. It could very well have been constructed at the time of the Nandas who built up the first all-India empire in the historical period with PĀṬALIPUTRA as the capital. The hall of KUMRAHAR with 80 stone pillars stands completely isolated in the entire complex and could hardly have been a part of the palace of Chandragupta. It could well have been constructed at the time of Aśoka with whom the use of stone as an architectural component can be definitely associated. Burnt-brick walls and floors have been traced at PĀṬALIPUTRA. At CAMPĀ a well-plastered brick drain belonging to the middle NBPW phase has been traced to some length.