Final answer:
Lat, which is a freestanding memorial pillar in ancient Indian architecture, often inscribed with important messages.
Step-by-step explanation:
D) Lat. A lat is a freestanding memorial pillar found in ancient Indian architecture. These pillars often bear carved inscriptions, religious emblems, or a statue, generally signifying a historical event or commemorating a great leader. The most renown examples of lats are the pillars erected by Mauryan emperor Ashoka, which are inscribed with edicts and are among some of the oldest stone-structured monuments in India.
Lats were not solely decorative; they had ceremonial and cultural significance, symbolizing the ruler's power and the spread of certain cultural or religious messages. The statements carved on these pillars varied from edicts about governance to philosophical teachings, reflecting the ruler's intention to influence and guide its subjects. This practice of erecting such pillars was one of the many ways rulers of the past communicated with their people, often using them as tools to propagate law or religious doctrine.
The freestanding memorial pillar in Indian architecture that bears carved inscriptions, religious emblems, or a statue is called a Stupa.
A Stupa is a sacred structure in Buddhism that represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha. It typically consists of a domed mound, a central pillar called the anda, and a finial on top, known as the harmika. The pillar is often adorned with intricate carvings, symbols, and statues related to Buddhism.