| Title | Mauryan architecture styleRare |
|---|---|
| Description | Characterized by monumental structures, polished sandstone pillars bearing edicts, and early stupas, reflecting the patronage of Emperor Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism. |
| Also Known As | Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Indian Buddhist Architectural Iconographic Influences Indian Buddhist Monastery Architecture Indian Buddhist Iconography Mauryan Architecture Sri Lankan Buddhist Architecture Kalinga Architecture Fortification Defensive walls moats gateways Mayamata Shilpa Shastra Vastu Shastra Early Dravidian Architecture Buddhist monastic architecture Early medieval Hindu temple architecture Sacred Bodhi Tree with Indian Buddhist Religious Significance Indian Buddhist Religious Traditions Bodh Gaya Bodhi Tree Indian Buddhist Monastery Planning |
| Tags | Pillar Stupa Ashoka Edict Polished sandstone Mauryan Buddhism Lomas Rishi Cave |
| Style ID | INHF-STY-6285871189-21:53:34:05:05:19:MAS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/mauryan-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/mauryan-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 3 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 29, 2025 |
External References
Regions
| Regions | Bihar Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | 4th century BCE-2nd century BCE 3rd century BCE 2nd century BCE 322-185 BCE |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Mauryan Dynasty Mauryan dynasty Maurya Dynasty |
Sacred Context
| Sacred Contexts | Buddhist monasteries Stupas Pillar edicts Early Buddhist sites Royal palaces |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Buddha Yakshas |
Architectural Details
| Primary Materials | Sandstone Brick Timber |
|---|---|
| Architectural Features | Pillars with animal capitals Stupas Rock-cut caves Palaces Stupa Pillar Rock-cut cave Polsihed sandstone Polished stone surfaces |
Keywords
| Keywords | Pillar Stupa Ashoka Edict Polished sandstone Mauryan Buddhism Lomas Rishi Cave |
|---|
Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) | Book | |
| A History of Indian Architecture | Book | Overview of Mauryan architectural contributions. |
Heritage Sites (3)
| Site Name | Status | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mihintale Buddhist Monastery Anuradhapura Sri Lanka | Secondary | 100% |
| Sisupalgarh Fort Bhubaneswar | Secondary | 100% |
| Sri Maha Bodhi Mahamevnawa Anuradhapura Sri Lanka | Secondary | 100% |
See Also
Related Materials
Sandstone
Brick
Timber
Related Features
Pillars with animal capitals
Stupas
Rock-cut caves
Palaces
Stupa
Pillar
Rock-cut cave
Polsihed sandstone
Polished stone surfaces
Example Sites
How to Identify Mauryan architecture style
- Look for characteristic features: Pillars with animal capitals, Stupas, Rock-cut caves.
- Verify geographic location: Mauryan architecture style architecture is typically found in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Examine construction materials: Mauryan architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Brick.
- Consider historical context: This style dates from 4th century BCE-2nd century BCE.
- Compare with documented examples: 3 heritage sites use this architectural style.