CHAPTER III
The Monuments
The extravagant legend which ascribes to Asoka the erection of eighty-four thousand stûpas, 'topes,' or sacred cupolas, within the space of three years, proves the depth of the impression made upon the popular imagination by the number, magnitude, and magnificence of the great Maurya's architectural achievements[1]. So imposing were his Works that they were universally believed to have been wrought by supernatural agency.
'The royal palace and halls in the midst of the city (scil. Pâtaliputra), which exist now as of old, were all made by spirits which he employed, and which piled up the stones, reared the walls and gates, and executed the elegant carving and inlaid sculpture-work in a way which no human hands of this world could accomplish[2].'
- ↑ 84,000 dharmarâjikâs built by Asoka Dharmaraja, as stated by Divyâwadâna (ed. Cowell & Neil, p. 379, quoted by Foucher, Icon. Boodhique, p. 55 n.). In the MS. miniature the words Rûdhya-Dharmarâjikâ-chaityah denote the stûpa and one-story monastery beside the Râdhya Pillar (ibid., p. 195).
- ↑ Fa-hien, Travels, ch. xxvii, transl. Leggc. Giles's version differs somewhat:—'The king's palace and courts were all constructed by spirits whom he employed to pile stones, build walls and gates, carve ornamental designs and engrave—truly
