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UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Sanchi Stupa
Also known as: Great Stupa at Sanchi
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
3rd Century BCE - 1st Century CE
The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India, originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The four ornamental gateways (toranas) added in the 1st century CE contain some of the finest examples of early Buddhist sculpture, narrating Jataka tales and events from the Buddha's life without depicting him in human form.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Misc Historic
- Style
- Buddhist Stupa
- Primary Deity
- Buddha (relics)
- Languages
- Hindi, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Oldest stone structure in India (Ashokan period). UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. Toranas contain masterpieces of early Buddhist narrative art. Originally contained relics of the Buddha
Architectural Features
Hemispherical dome (anda)Four elaborately carved toranas (gateways)Harmika (railing) at the topChattra (parasol) finialVedika (stone railing) enclosure