• The monuments before the period of Asoka were mostly made of wood and therefore perished 
• The use of stone started from the time of Asoka
• His palace and monasteries and most of his stupas have disappeared 
• The only remaining stupa is at Sanchi

Pillars

• Asokan pillars with inscriptions were found in places like Delhi, Allahabad, Rummindei, Sanchi and Sarnath
• Their tops were crowned with figures of animals like lion, elephant and bull
• The Sarnath pillar with four lions standing back to back is the most significant 
• The Indian government adopted this capital with some modifications as its state emblem

Stupas

• Majority of them were destroyed during foreign invasions
• Best example is the famous Sanchi stupa with massive dimensions 
• Originally built by bricks but later enlarged after the time of Asoka

Caves

• The caves presented to Ajivikas by Asoka and his son Dasaratha remain important heritage of the Mauryas
• Interior walls are polished like mirror
• The caves at Barabar hills near Bodhgaya are wonderful pieces of Mauryan architecture