With reference to Mauryan pillar architecture, the abacus is commonly decorated with which of the following motifs?

The correct option is Animal figures and floral motifs.

Explanation

Mauryan pillars are distinct monolithic structures usually made of chunar sandstone. Structurally, they are divided into four parts: the long shaft, the bell-shaped capital (inverted lotus), the abacus (a circular or rectangular base above the capital), and the crowning animal figure.

Detailed Analysis:

• The Abacus: This component serves as the pedestal for the crowning animal. In Mauryan art, the abacus is typically decorated with relief carvings.
• Decorations: These carvings most commonly feature animal figures (such as the lion, bull, horse, and elephant found on the Sarnath Lion Capital) or floral motifs (such as the honeysuckle and palmette designs seen on the Rampurva Bull Capital, or the geese/hamsa motifs on the Sanchi pillar).
• Incorrect Options:
  • Stylised lotus petals: These form the bell-shaped capital situated below the abacus, not the abacus itself.
  • Narrative scenes from Jatakas: These are characteristic of the railings (vedikas) and gateways (toranas) of Stupas (e.g., Bharhut and Sanchi) developed primarily in the post-Mauryan period (Shunga-Satavahana era).

Key Takeaway:
The abacus of a Mauryan pillar is the intermediate slab between the inverted lotus capital and the crowning animal, decorated with relief carvings of animals (chakravartin symbols) and floral motifs.