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1. Capital from a pillar of Asoka: the Lions of Sarnath. Sarnath is where Asiddhartha Gautama first
preached, and these lions echo his teachings to the four quarters of rthe world. The wheel symbolizes
Buddhist law and also Asoka's legitamacy as an enlightened ruler.
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2. Asoka's pillar. 32-foot high polished sandstone columns were erected at the time of Asoka's reign
to commemorate events in Buddha's life or to mark routes to holy sites.
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3. Idealized couple welcoming visitors to the Buddhist rock temple at Karli. They represent harmony
through integration in the cosmic web of being. Mauryan [?]
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4. Sanchi Gate and Stupa. First built at time of Asoka and enlarged over time. The stupa architectural
form was originally a reliquary, but eventally became the most characteristic form for a place of Buddhist
worship. At this time, Buddhism spread throughout the area ruled by the Mauryans.
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5. Mauryan terracotta figurine. Mathura.
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6. Bronze statue of the dancing Siva, who with his right hand creates and with his left consumes
in flames. The lower hands are those of compassion.
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