Question

Write a short note on Sanchi Stupa.

Hint:

Founded by Ashoka; its carved torana gateways were added later.

Answer 1

Step 1: Origins: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, in present-day Madhya Pradesh, was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine relics of the Buddha, on a hillside overlooking the Betwa river.

Step 2: Later expansion: It was enlarged during the Shunga period, and its famous carved stone gateways (toranas) depicting Jataka tales and symbols of the Buddha (footprints, the Bodhi tree, the wheel) were added mainly during the Satavahana period.

Step 3: Architectural significance: The stupa is a solid hemispherical dome (anda) topped by a chhatra (umbrella), surrounded by a railing (vedika) with four ornately carved gateways — representing a mature, developed form of early Buddhist monumental architecture.

Step 4: Historical importance: Sanchi is one of the oldest surviving stone structures in India and, being untouched by later invasions unlike Sarnath or Bodh Gaya, preserves an especially complete record of early Buddhist art and iconography.

Final Answer: Sanchi Stupa is an Ashokan-era Buddhist relic monument, later embellished with carved gateways, and is one of India's best-preserved early Buddhist architectural sites.