Identify the following structure from the options given below:
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To easily differentiate between the states of preservation among major early stupas, remember that Sanchi survived intact because it was protected from collectors by the local rulers of Bhopal (Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum), whereas Amravati fell into ruin because it was uncovered earlier and systematically stripped of its decorative slabs.
Step 1: Visual and Architectural Alysis of the Structure:
The structure shown in the image represents the Great Stupa at Sanchi, located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved stone structures in India. Architecturally, it consists of a large hemispherical dome (anda) that represents the cosmic mountain. The dome is topped by a square, balcony-like structure called a harmika, which symbolizes the sacred enclosure or the dwelling place of the gods. Rising from the harmika is a central mast or shaft (yashti), which supports a triple umbrella tier system (chhatri) representing the three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The entire monument is surrounded by a stone circumambulatory railing (vedika) broken by four elaborately carved stone gateways (toras) facing the four cardil directions.
Step 2: Alysis of Altertive Options:
To confirm the identification, we can systematically alyze the current physical state of the other monumental options:
• (A) Amravati Stupa: Located in Andhra Pradesh, this stupa was once an incredibly orte structure clad in limestone relief panels. However, due to centuries of neglect, looting by local landowners, and unregulated excavations by British antiquarians, it fell into complete ruin. Its structural dome no longer stands intact like the monument shown in the image.
• (C) Barhut Stupa: Situated in Madhya Pradesh, this early Buddhist stupa is also heavily ruined. Most of its surviving structural remnts, including its beautifully carved red sandstone railings and gateways, were dismantled and moved to the Indian Museum in Kolkata for preservation. No standing hemispherical stone dome exists at its origil site.
• (D) Sarth Stupa: The Dhamekh Stupa at Sarth (near Varasi, Uttar Pradesh) has a completely different architectural profile. It is built as a massive, tall cylindrical solid tower composed of bricks and stone, rather than a classic low semi-spherical mound encircled by gateways.
Consequently, the monument depicted is umbiguously the beautifully preserved Great Stupa of Sanchi.
