Which place are you visiting if you come across the lion capital built by Asoka?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Sarnath
The lion capital of Asoka crowned one of the polished stone pillars on which he inscribed his messages; it was found at Sarnath, near Varanasi, where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
Note: The NCERT book (2026-27) shows the lion capital (Fig. 2.3) but does not say where it stands. That it comes from the Asokan pillar at Sarnath is not in NCERT (2026-27); it is explained here for the benefit of the students.
NCERT (2026-27): “3.1 Finding out about the Mauryas … Asoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces – natural rocks as well as polished pillars. He used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be dhamma. This included respect towards elders, generosity towards Brahmanas and those who renounced worldly life, treating slaves and servants kindly, and respect for religions and traditions other than one’s own.…”
Fig. 2.3 The lion capital |
