File:East_Gateway_-_Stupa_1_-_Sanchi_Hill_2013-02-21_4398.JPG · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
Sanchi
Sign in to saveAlso known as Sanchi Stupa, Great Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi Tope, Buddhist monuments at Sanchi
Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, in Madhya Pradesh, India
Sanchi is an ancient Buddhist religious site in central India, most famous for its Great Stupa—a large dome-shaped monument built to honor Buddha. It is considered one of the finest examples of early Buddhist architecture and remains an important symbol of Buddhist heritage.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Type
- Stupa and surrounding buildings
- Architectural style
- Buddhist , Mauryan
- Location
- Sanchi Town , Raisen district , Madhya Pradesh , India , Sanchi , Raisen district , India
- Construction started
- 3rd century BCE
- Height
- 16.46 m (54.0 ft) (dome of the Great Stupa)
- Diameter
- 36.6 m (120 ft) (dome of the Great Stupa)
- Official name
- Buddhist Monument at Sanchi
- Criteria
- Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv, vi
- Inscription
- 1989 (13th Session )
via Wikipedia infobox
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Stupa 1, Sanchi 02.jpg
Show 2 more facts
- Commons category
- Buddhist monuments at Sanchi
- native label
- साँची का स्तूप
Sources (3)
via Wikidata · CC0
~40 min read
Article
Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located, about 23 kilometers from Raisen town, the district headquarter and 46 kilometres (29 mi) north-east of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh.
The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India, and an important monument to the historical architecture of India. It was originally commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. The original construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant of nearby Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding. In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added. The stupa at Sanchi built during the Mauryan period was made of bricks. The composite flourished until the 11th century.