Anand Coomarswamy classified the Mauryan art into two part:
- Court Art: Architectural works commissioned by Mauryan rulers for political and religious reasons.
- Ashokan pillars: Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars which display the carver’s skills compared to the Achaemenian pillars which are constructed in pieces by a mason. The top portion of the pillar was carved with capital figures like the bull, the lion, the elephant, etc. Examples: Lion Capital Sarnath.
- Rock edicts: Ashokan edicts were inscribed on stone pillars that were made of single columns. Example: Ashokan 14 major rock edicts.
- Caves: Lomas Rishi Cave.
- Stupas: Stupa of Bairat in Rajasthan
2. Folk Art: By individuals
- Sculpture of Yaksha-Yakshini: Yaksha of Parkham, Yakshini of Didargunj
- Inscribed stone portrait: At Kanaganahalli
- Pottery (Northern Black Polished Ware): Kausambhi and Patliputra
