Two of the most elaborate and well known of the Buddhist art are the "North Torana of the Great Stupa", and the "Lion Capital". The "North torana" is an entrance for the "Great stupa". Created during the early Andhra period this art work is of pure stone. The "Lion Capital" is from an Ashokan pillar at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh India. Created during the Maurya period. Ashoka Maurya was the master mind of both pieces. These pieces of art and architecture are very unique, and are very similar. The "Lion Capital" was created during 250 BCE, while the "North torana" was created during the mid-first century BCE. The "Lion capital" and the "North torana" have similarities and differences with their religious significance, the stylization of the art, and the power that each piece represented (Stokstad, 70).
The "Lion capital", and the "North torana" have different meanings, and provided the Buddhism community with beauty and fertility of nature. The religious significance gives each piece a different meaning while each one is derived from the same idea. The styles of the pieces are extravagant. The texture of the pieces, actual style and craftsmanship of the two pieces make them extremely unique. Style depends on many things. What the art is trying to say. The way the art work has been laid out. What characteristics and attributes give both works their sacred meaning. The power of each piece is that of how they are view from their community. In this case, the Buddhist (www.historyofindia.com). Does the piece have an underworld meaning, or what does the piece represent.