Lion Capital of Asoka, Stone sculpture at Sarnath Archaeological Museum, India
The Lion Capital features four lions standing back to back on a circular base decorated with reliefs of wheels and four different animals.
The monument, created around 250 BCE under Emperor Ashoka's reign, was discovered during archaeological excavations conducted by F.O. Oertel in 1904-1905.
The sculpture represents the principles of Buddhism and governance, displaying the integration of Persian and Indian artistic elements in its detailed craftsmanship.
Visitors can examine this national emblem of India at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
The capital, carved from a single block of sandstone, measures 2.1 meters in height and maintains its original polish after more than 2000 years.
Inception: 250 BCE
Made from material: sandstone
Part of: pillars of Ashoka
GPS coordinates: 25.38110,83.02140
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:03
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