What is Sanchi?
[[File:Sanchi Stupa from Eastern gate, Madhya Pradesh.jpg|thumb|Sanchi Stupa]] '''Sanchi Stupa''' is a memorial built in the state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] in the city of Sanchi in [[India]]. It is located {{convert|46|km}} north-east of [[Bhopal]], capital of Madhya Pradesh. The Great [[Stupa]] at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India. It is an important [[monument]] of Indian Architecture.<ref>[http://www.frontline.in/archives.htm Buddhist Art] Frontline Magazine May 13–26, 1989</ref> The emperor [[Ashoka]] ordered it to be built,in the 3rd century BCE. Its center was a simple [[dome]]-like [[brick]] structure built over the [[Relic|relics]] of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. It was crowned by the ''chatra'', a [[Umbrella|parasol]]-like structure symbolising high rank. This structure 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 Devi's birthplace as well as the place of her wedding with Ashoka. In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved [[Torana|toranas]] (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added. The Sanchi Stupa built during Mauryan period was made of bricks. The composite flourished until the 11th century. Sanchi is the center of a region with a number of stupas including Satdhara (17&nbsp;km from Sanchi, 40 stupas, the [[Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana]], now enshrined in the new Vihara, were unearthed there), Morel Khurd (on a fortified hilltop with 60 stupas), Andher (17&nbsp;km NE of Vidisha), Mawas, Sonari etc. all very close to Sanchi.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=IUbUDAAAQBAJ&q=buddhist+landscape Buddhist Landscapes in Central India: Sanchi Hill and Archaeologies of Religious and Social Change, c. Third Century BC to Fifth Century AD, Julia Shaw, Routledge, Aug 12, 2016]</ref> == References == {{Reflist}} {{stub}} [[Category:World Heritage Sites in India]] [[Category:3rd-c