With reference to the Sarnath Lion Capital, consider the following statements: 1. It was built in commemoration of the Dhammachakrapravartana. 2. The capital consists of only two parts: the lion figures and the abacus. 3. The abacus depicts a chakra with twenty-four spokes in all four directions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Sarnath Lion Capital is considered the finest example of Mauryan sculpture. It was erected by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath to mark the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. This structure was later adopted as the National Emblem of India. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The pillar was built in commemoration of the Dhammachakrapravartana (the Turning of the Wheel of Law), which refers to the first sermon delivered by the Buddha at Sarnath. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The capital is not composed of only two parts. It originally consisted of five component parts: 1. The shaft (which is monolithic). 2. The lotus bell base (inverted lotus). 3. The drum or abacus (on which the animals and chakras are carved). 4. The four lion figures seated back-to-back. 5. The crowning element, the Dharmachakra (a large wheel), which is now broken. Even excluding the shaft and the broken wheel, the capital distinctly includes the inverted lotus base in addition to the abacus and lions. - Statement 3 is Correct: The abacus (the circular drum beneath the lions) depicts four animals-a galloping horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion-separated by four chakras (wheels). These chakras, each having twenty-four spokes, are placed in all four cardinal directions. Key Takeaway: The Sarnath Lion Capital symbolizes the first sermon of the Buddha. Its structure includes an inverted lotus base, a circular abacus featuring four animals and four chakras, and four addorsed lions, originally crowned by a larger Dharmachakra.

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

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With reference to the Sarnath Lion Capital, consider the following statements:

It was built in commemoration of the Dhammachakrapravartana.
The capital consists of only two parts: the lion figures and the abacus.
The abacus depicts a chakra with twenty-four spokes in all four directions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 and 2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Sarnath Lion Capital is considered the finest example of Mauryan sculpture. It was erected by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath to mark the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. This structure was later adopted as the National Emblem of India.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The pillar was built in commemoration of the Dhammachakrapravartana (the Turning of the Wheel of Law), which refers to the first sermon delivered by the Buddha at Sarnath.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The capital is not composed of only two parts. It originally consisted of five component parts:
1. The shaft (which is monolithic).
2. The lotus bell base (inverted lotus).
3. The drum or abacus (on which the animals and chakras are carved).
4. The four lion figures seated back-to-back.
5. The crowning element, the Dharmachakra (a large wheel), which is now broken.
Even excluding the shaft and the broken wheel, the capital distinctly includes the inverted lotus base in addition to the abacus and lions.
Statement 3 is Correct: The abacus (the circular drum beneath the lions) depicts four animals-a galloping horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion-separated by four chakras (wheels). These chakras, each having twenty-four spokes, are placed in all four cardinal directions.

Key Takeaway:

The Sarnath Lion Capital symbolizes the first sermon of the Buddha. Its structure includes an inverted lotus base, a circular abacus featuring four animals and four chakras, and four addorsed lions, originally crowned by a larger Dharmachakra.

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

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

easy

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

easy

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

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Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The pillar was built in commemoration of the Dhammachakrapravartana (the Turning of the Wheel of Law), which refers to the first sermon delivered by the Buddha at Sarnath.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The capital is not composed of only two parts. It originally consisted of five component parts:
1. The shaft (which is monolithic).
2. The lotus bell base (inverted lotus).
3. The drum or abacus (on which the animals and chakras are carved).
4. The four lion figures seated back-to-back.
5. The crowning element, the Dharmachakra (a large wheel), which is now broken.
Even excluding the shaft and the broken wheel, the capital distinctly includes the inverted lotus base in addition to the abacus and lions.
Statement 3 is Correct: The abacus (the circular drum beneath the lions) depicts four animals-a galloping horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion-separated by four chakras (wheels). These chakras, each having twenty-four spokes, are placed in all four cardinal directions.

Key Takeaway: