Know The Itihas

• Sixth century bce marks the beginning of new religious and social movements in the gangatic valley in the form of Buddhism and Jainism. • Both religions became popular as they opposed the jati and Varna system in the Hindu religion. • By the fourth century bce Mauryan established their power and by the third century bce, the large part of India under Mauryan control. • Ashoka emerged most powerful ruler of Mauryan dynasty who patronised Buddhist religion. • During the Mauryan period construction of  stupa and viharas  as a part of  monastic establishment became part of the Buddhist tradition. • Apart from stupa and viharas this time rock-cut caves , stone pillars , monumental figure sculpture carved from several places. • Stone pillars were erected by Ashok, which have been found in the north Indian part of the Mauryan empire with inscription engraved on them. •  the top portion of the pillars was carved with  capital figures like the bull, the elephant, the lion etc. • All cap