NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

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What was the crowning element originally placed atop the lions of the Sarnath Capital?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA kalasha pot finial
BA triple triratna finial
CAn amalaka disc
DA large Dharmachakra wheel

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is A large Dharmachakra wheel.

Explanation

The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath is the finest example of Mauryan sculpture. It was erected by Emperor Ashoka to mark the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana). The capital originally consisted of five distinct components, though the topmost element is often missing in popular depictions.

Detailed Analysis:

The Crowning Element: Originally, a large Dharmachakra (Wheel of the Law) with 32 spokes rested on the heads of the four lions. This wheel symbolized the spreading of the Dharma in all directions. Fragments of this large stone wheel were discovered during excavations at Sarnath and are preserved in the Sarnath Site Museum.
Other Components: Below the crowning wheel, the capital features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, mounted on a circular abacus. The abacus depicts four animals (elephant, bull, horse, and lion) separated by smaller wheels. The entire structure rests on an inverted bell-shaped lotus.
Incorrect Options:
- Amalaka and Kalasha: These are architectural elements associated with the Shikhara of Hindu temples (specifically Nagara style), developed much later during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. They are not part of Mauryan pillar architecture.
- Triratna: While the Triratna is a significant Buddhist symbol representing the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, it was not the crowning finial of the Sarnath pillar.

Key Takeaway:
The Sarnath Lion Capital was originally surmounted by a large Dharmachakra (Wheel), signifying the "Turning of the Wheel of Law," making the total structure a five-part composition rather than the four parts commonly seen today.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Pitalkhora | 1. Great Stupa B. Kondane | 2. Stupa of 3rd century BCE C. Bairat | 3. Inscription of disciple Balaka D. Sanchi | 4. Inscription of artisan Kanha

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In the aniconic phase of Buddhist art, the presence of the Buddha was often symbolised by:

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Which one of the following statements correctly reflects the stance of early Buddhism and Jainism towards the social order?

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The construction of stupas and monuments during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods was primarily:

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With reference to the art and architecture of the Mauryan period, consider the following statements regarding pillars: 1. The tradition of erecting pillars was entirely indigenous with no external influence. 2. Mauryan pillars were rock-cut, displaying the carver’s skills, whereas Achamenian pillars were constructed in pieces by a mason. 3. Stone pillars erected by Ashoka have been found in the northern and central parts of the Mauryan Empire. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is A large Dharmachakra wheel.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The Crowning Element: Originally, a large Dharmachakra (Wheel of the Law) with 32 spokes rested on the heads of the four lions. This wheel symbolized the spreading of the Dharma in all directions. Fragments of this large stone wheel were discovered during excavations at Sarnath and are preserved in the Sarnath Site Museum.
Other Components: Below the crowning wheel, the capital features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, mounted on a circular abacus. The abacus depicts four animals (elephant, bull, horse, and lion) separated by smaller wheels. The entire structure rests on an inverted bell-shaped lotus.
Incorrect Options:
- Amalaka and Kalasha: These are architectural elements associated with the Shikhara of Hindu temples (specifically Nagara style), developed much later during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. They are not part of Mauryan pillar architecture.
- Triratna: While the Triratna is a significant Buddhist symbol representing the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, it was not the crowning finial of the Sarnath pillar.