Who was Ashoka of the Maurya empire, and why did he erect a stone pillar crowned with lions? This video answers these questions about the important ruler of the Maurya empire and more. We explain who Ashoka was, why he was important in Indian and Buddhist history, and why he erected stone pillars with beautiful carved capitals across his empire. Today, one of those capitals, the lion capital at Sarnath, is India’s national emblem. We take a close look at the lion capital and analyze the meaning of its different features.

This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Early Buddhist art

• History of India

• Buddhism

• Historical people

• Art History

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction 0:21 Who is Ashoka of the Maurya Empire, and why did he erect a stone pillar crowned with lions? 2:00 Ashoka’s lion capital at Sarnath 2:31 Looking closely at the lion capital at Sarnath

Learn more

1. Discover more about Ancient South Asia: https://www.artsq.org/ancient-south-asia

2. Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history