Question

It is only with Ashoka that we can properly begin the history of the art and architecture of ancient India. In this context explain briefly:

Arts and Crafts that flourished during Ashoka’s reign.

Answer 1

Arts and Crafts:
Arthashastra mentions several regions which specialized in textiles, such as Kashi (Varanasi) Vanga, Vatsa, and Kalinga. A separate section in Arthashastra deals with the technology of gold mining. In fact, the southern province of the Mauryan empire was named Suvamagiri, which itself is an evidence of the comprehensive exploitation of the earth’s gold reserves. Ashoka made many improvements in replacing the old wooden material of the Imperial Palace by stone.