The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
Mauryan court art is renowned for its monolithic stone pillars, which represent a transition from wood to stone in Indian architecture. These pillars were primarily utilized by Emperor Ashoka as a medium to disseminate the policy of Dhamma throughout his empire.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: A defining characteristic of the stone pillars erected by Ashoka is the presence of inscriptions engraved on their shafts. These inscriptions, known as Pillar Edicts (Major and Minor), outline moral codes and royal pronouncements. While rare exceptions exist (such as the uninscribed pillar at Vaishali), the general purpose and feature of these pillars were to carry engraved messages.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The geographical distribution of Ashokan pillars is restricted to the northern and central parts of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the Gangetic plains (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh), the Nepal Terai, and Madhya Pradesh (e.g., Sanchi). While Ashokan inscriptions (specifically Rock Edicts on natural boulders) are found in South India (e.g., Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh), the monolithic stone pillars themselves have not been discovered in the southern regions of the Mauryan Empire.
Key Takeaway:
There is a distinct geographical difference between the distribution of Ashokan Pillars (North and Central India) and Ashokan Rock Edicts (Pan-India, including the South). The pillars are absent in South India.