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Significance of Monolithic pillars

Monolithic pillars refer to large, single-piece structures that serve significant architectural functions across various contexts. In Vastushastra, they act as main supports for roofing in Mandapas, ensuring stability. In Mahayana Buddhism, these pillars are sculpted from a single block of stone and typically associated with monuments. Additionally, in Indian history, the term highlights the study of the monolithic pillars or columns of Asoka, which are essential historical and architectural features.1
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Synonyms: Spires

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Monolithic pillars'

Buddhism Books

Monolithic pillars in Buddhism are large, sculpted structures carved from single stone blocks, symbolizing monumental aspects of Buddhist teachings and serving as significant features in Buddhist architecture and heritage.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) Large, sculpted pillars made from a single block of stone, often associated with Buddhist monuments.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Monolithic pillars'

Hinduism Books

Monolithic pillars in Hinduism are significant architectural elements, serving as single large structures that provide essential support for Mandapas, contributing to both their stability and the overall design of sacred spaces.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)

(1) Single large pillar structures that serve as the main supports for the roofing of Mandapas, integral to their architectural stability.[2]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

The concept of Monolithic pillars in local and regional sources

History Books

Monolithic pillars are significant structures, particularly those of Asoka, and are the focus of a study that explores their historical and architectural importance in regional analysis.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This refers to a study on the monolithic pillars or columns of Asoka, examining these important structures.[3]