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Source: This post on Great Stupa of Sanchi has been created based on the article “The story of the Great Stupa of Sanchi from Ashokan times to now”, published in Indian Express on 13th Sep 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa, located in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.
About Great Stupa of Sanchi
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| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Great Stupa of Sanchi was constructed in the 3rd century BCE under the reign of Emperor Ashoka. 2. Location: It is located at Sanchi, near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. 3. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was built to house relics of the Buddha. 4. The stupa was later expanded and embellished during the Shunga dynasty in the 2nd century BCE, showcasing its long-standing religious and historical significance. |
| Discovery and Early Excavations | 1. The site was “discovered” by British officer Henry Taylor in 1818. 2. The first formal survey and excavation were carried out by Alexander Cunningham, the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in 1851. 3. The major restoration work was undertaken in the early 20th century under John Marshall, with financial support from the Begums of Bhopal. |
| Features | 1. The central feature of the stupa is the dome or anda, which symbolizes the cosmic body of the Buddha. 2. At the top of the dome is the harmika, a square railing representing heaven, and a chhatra, or umbrella-like structure, which symbolizes high rank and spiritual protection. 3. The stupa is surrounded by a pradakshina path, which is a circular walkway used by devotees for circumambulation. 5. The structure is further enclosed by stone railings, which mark the boundaries of the sacred space. 6. The stupa is accessed through four elaborately carved gateways, known as toranas, located at the cardinal points—North, South, East, and West. 7. These toranas are adorned with intricate carvings that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and Buddhist symbols such as the lotus, wheel of dharma, and Bodhi tree. |
| Cultural significance | 1. The sculptures and carvings on the Great Stupa reflect the rich narrative tradition of early Indian art. 2. The scenes use symbols and metaphors to depict his teachings and various Jataka tales. 3. The stupa represents a transitional phase in Indian sculpture, bridging the gap between the Mauryan and Gupta periods, and showcases early examples of Buddhist art and architecture. |
| Religious Importance | 1. It is a key site for pilgrimage, symbolizing the enlightenment and teachings of the Buddha. 2. It was built to spread Buddhist teachings and house sacred relics. 3. The stupa continues to be an important spiritual site for devotees seeking peace and enlightenment. |
| Influence on Architecture | Its circular stupa design became a model for similar structures in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and beyond. |
| UNESCO Status | The Great Stupa of Sanchi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, acknowledging its global cultural significance. |
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
