Mauryan Architecture

Following the Vedic period, permanent cities expanded under the Mahajanapadas and later the Mauryan Empire. The reign of Emperor Ashoka marked the first extensive use of monumental stone architecture. This era saw a transition from timber construction to dressed stone architecture. Many stone monuments replicated earlier wooden construction techniques. The notable features of this style and era include polished sandstone surfaces, monolithic pillars, Rock-cut caves, early stupas, palaces, Buddhist monasteries, animal capitals, and forms of imperial iconography. Some of the structures that can be attributed to this era are Ashokan Pillars, Sanchi Stupa, and the Barabar Caves.