Concept:The most distinctive feature of Ashokan pillars is their capitals, which are carved with animal sculptures, most notably lions facing outward.
Explanation:Emperor Ashoka, a Mauryan ruler (268–232 BCE), erected monolithic sandstone pillars across his empire. Each pillar has a polished shaft and a capital at the top. The capital often features a single animal or a group of animals. The lion is the most iconic symbol—representing strength, courage, and the spread of Dharma. The famous Lion Capital at Sarnath (with four back‑to‑back lions) is this feature. It now serves as India’s national emblem.
The pillars were not found only in South India (Option B); they are concentrated in the northern and central plains (e.g., Bihar, Uttar Pradesh). They were made of sandstone (Chunar or Mathura), not bronze or silver (Option C). They were not fire altars (Option D); their purpose was to display Ashoka’s edicts promoting non‑violence and moral law.
Answer:A. They had capitals topped with lion sculptures.