UPSC Mains 2026 · GS I · Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words

Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.

हिन्दी में

मौर्य इतिहास के पुनर्निर्माण के लिए अशोक के अभिलेखों के महत्त्व का विश्लेषण कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Religious philosophies had a profound impact on the development of Mauryan Architecture. Explain.”

Shakti DubeyAIR 1 · CSE 2024 · 177 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a recent event

Recently statue of replica of sarnath lion pillar capital was unveiled at the premise of new parliament building showcasing rich architectural tradition of Mauryan age.

Body · points

Mauryan Architecture :- Impact of religious philosophies

Religion has had a huge impact on architecture in every age :-

(1) Stupa, chaitya, viharas :- These were created for monks, based on religious principle of

Diagram
* Buddhism * Brahmanism

(1) Stupa :- built over relics of saint eg: Sanchi stupa (2) Chaitya :- Prayer halls eg: Karle chaitya hall (3) Viharas :- places for monks to stay eg: Ajanta caves has 24 viharas

(4) Pillars :- The pillar erected by Maur-yan empire has image of:- Lion, Bull figures which held huge religious significance.

(5) Rock cut caves :- These were created as resting place for monks eg:- Barabar hill caves for Ajivikas

(6) Figurines - ie, structural images eg:- Didarganj Yakshini - these are also religious figures

(7) Sculpture :- Image of Buddha and Hindu gods like krishna, etc emerged showcasing religious significance

Close · a summary

Thus impact of religious philosp- hies were huge on the Architecture of Mauryan period.

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Q1. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.