Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, provided a detailed account of the Mauryan capital, Pataliputra (referred to as Palibothra), in his work Indika. His observations offer significant insights into the urban planning and architecture of the early Mauryan period.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Megasthenes described Pataliputra as a city shaped like a parallelogram situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers. He noted that the city was surrounded by a massive wooden wall (palisade) with loopholes for archers. He specifically recorded that this wall was fortified with 570 towers and had 64 gates.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: According to Megasthenes, the royal palace of Chandragupta Maurya was primarily constructed of timber (wood), not stone. While he praised its magnificence, stating it surpassed the palaces of Susa and Ecbatana, the use of stone in monumental architecture became prominent later, particularly during the reign of Ashoka.
Key Takeaway: Megasthenes described Mauryan Pataliputra as a fortified city with a massive wooden palisade featuring 570 towers and 64 gates, and a royal palace constructed chiefly of wood, reflecting the dominance of timber architecture during Chandragupta Maurya's reign.