To which king belongs the Lion Capital at Sarnath?
VerifiedAnswer: Ashoka
Explanation:
The magnificent Lion Capital at Sarnath belongs to Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. This iconic sculpture stands as one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Indian history and represents a pivotal moment when Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the devastating Kalinga War.
Sarnath holds extraordinary significance in Buddhist history as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It was here that he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to his first five disciples. Understanding this sacred connection, Emperor Ashoka chose to erect this magnificent pillar at Sarnath around 250 BCE to commemorate this holy site and spread Buddhist teachings across his vast empire.
The Lion Capital itself is a masterpiece of ancient Indian art and craftsmanship. Originally standing atop a tall sandstone pillar, the capital features four magnificent lions sitting back-to-back, symbolizing power, courage, and the spread of Buddhism in all four directions. Below the lions, there's a circular abacus decorated with four animals - a horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion - separated by four dharma chakras (wheels of law). These animals represent different stages of Buddha's life and Buddhist philosophy.
What makes this Lion Capital even more special is its connection to modern India. When India gained independence in 1947, the government adopted this ancient symbol as the national emblem of India. However, only three lions are visible in the emblem (the fourth lion is hidden behind), and the motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) from the Mundaka Upanishad was added below the platform.
The original Lion Capital was discovered in 1905 and is now preserved in the Sarnath Museum, while a replica stands at the original site. This remarkable artifact not only showcases the artistic excellence of the Mauryan period but also reflects Emperor Ashoka's transformation from a fierce warrior to a compassionate ruler who promoted non-violence, religious tolerance, and moral governance throughout his empire.
