Write a short note on development …

The Mauryans built many stupas, viharas and pillars.

1. Stupa: A stupa is a domed structure of bricks and stones. One such famous stupa is at Sanchi, near Bhopal built by Ashoka. There are beautifully carved gateways on four sides.
2. Viharas: Viharas are monasteries of the Buddhist monks. The earliest were rock-cut caves, made during the Mauryan times. The best known are at Barabar hills. They are carved out of granite hills, the walls of which still shine like a mirror.
3. Pillars: The pillars were normally a single stone, weighing about 50 tons and more than 30 feet tall. It had to be chiselled, shaped and polished. The capital of the column was crowned with the figures of bulls and lions. One of the famous pillars with its four lion figure is located at the Sarnath Museum.
4. Cave: Instead of pillars, rock-cut caves are also an artistic achievement of the Mauryan empire.  The caves at Barabar hill in Gaya and the Nagarjuna hill caves, the Sudama caves, etc. are the several examples of cave architecture.

As Ashoka embraced Buddhism and the immense Buddhist missionary activities that followed encouraged the development of distinct sculptural and architectural styles.