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Of
the cave-dwellings much deserves to be said. Some are excavated at
the Barbara and Nagarjuna Hills. They are seven in number and are
cut out of the hard rock. They were dedicated to the monks. They
bear inscriptions too. Then follow the monolithic pillars. Some of
them stand even today in their full splendour to tell many tales of
universal interest. They bear imperial proclamations, besides
representing a high water mark of Mauryan sculpture. They are of
various designs and sizes that range between 50-70 cubits in height.
Their number is 30.
All
these monuments unmistakably bear the stamp of Asoka's magnanimity
and passion for propagation. The sculpture excellences and the
architectural grandeur that adorn them are master-pieces in points
of style and technique. And they are unsurpassed by anything in the
ancient world. The skill of the stone - cutter reached such
perfection which can never be dreamt of by the modern architects.
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