Question

(For Visually Impaired Candidates) In which of the following modern states of India is Sanchi Stupa located?

• A. Maharashtra
• B. Madhya Pradesh
• C. Tamil du
• D. Uttar Pradesh

Hint:

For examitions, link the major early Buddhist architectural sites explicitly to their modern states: Sanchi and Bharhut are located in Madhya Pradesh, Sarth is located in Uttar Pradesh, and Amravati and garjukonda are located in Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identifying the Geographical Location of Sanchi:
The ancient Buddhist mostic complex and archaeological site of Sanchi is situated on a prominent hilltop in Sanchi Town, which falls within the administrative boundaries of the Raisen District in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It lies approximately 46 kilometers northeast of Bhopal, the capital city of the state.

Step 2: Historical Context and Significance:
Sanchi became a major hub of Buddhist art and architecture during the Maurya period under the patroge of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Ashoka established the initial brick core of the Great Stupa here and erected a monolithic sandstone pillar nearby. The site continued to expand dymically through the additions of stone casings, railings, and highly decorative gateways during the Shunga, Satavaha, and Gupta periods.

Step 3: Evaluating the Incorrect Options:

• (A) Maharashtra: This state is globally famous for its magnificent rock-cut cave monuments, such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and early rock-cut chaityas and viharas at Bhaja and Karle, but it does not host the freestanding Sanchi Stupa.
• (C) Tamil du: Located in deep southern India, this region is renowned for its monumental Dravidian-style Hindu temple architecture (such as Mahabalipuram and Thanjavur) rather than major early brick-and-stone stupas from the Mauryan period.
• (D) Uttar Pradesh: While this state contains highly significant Buddhist sites like Sarth (where the Buddha gave his first sermon) and Kushigar (the site of his Mahaparinirva), it does not contain the Sanchi complex. Therefore, Option (B) is the historically and geographically correct choice.