Categories:
[Asia]
[lost city]
Links:
http://www.shunya.net; http://www.surfindia.com
Last update: July 15, 2007. Number of views: 32979
About Sanchi - India
A UNESCO world heritage site in central India near the Betwa River. On a flat-topped sandstone
hill, 90m above the countryside, stands the best-preserved group of Buddhist
monuments in India. Most noteworthy is the Great Stupa, discovered in 1818. It
was probably begun by the emperor Aœoka in the mid-3rd century BCE and later
enlarged. Solid throughout, it is enclosed by a massive stone railing pierced by
four gateways on which are elaborate carvings depicting the life of the Buddha.
The stupa itself consists of a base bearing a hemispherical dome representing
the dome of heaven enclosing the Earth; it is surmounted by a squared rail unit,
the world mountain, from which rises a mast to symbolize the cosmic axis. The
mast bears umbrellas that represent the various heavens. Other remains include
several smaller stupas, an assembly hall (caitya), an Aœokan pillar with
inscription, and several monasteries (4th–11th cent. CE). Several relic baskets
and more than 400 epigraphical records have also been discovered.
Sanchi Stupas
The Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh is the best specimen of stupa art. A Stupa is
a dome-shaped mound that mimics the funerary mounds used to mark the graves of
great kings. The first Buddhist stupas enshrined the Buddha's physical relics
(bones and teeth), and thus gave him royal status. Another sign of this claim is
the three-layer stone umbrella visible at the top of the stupa, since the
umbrella was also a royal symbol.
Smaller miniature Stupas were also placed around the main, as is the case in
Bodh Gaya, Gandhara and Nepal, where the pilgrims placed the stone replicas,
sometimes with a Buddha statue within. The Gandhara stupas show great
development in decorative sculptural elegance with a higher base.
Sanchi's Great Stupa is the oldest surviving Buddhist monument. The original
Stupa was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (reigned 269-32 BCE), but enlarged
to its present form in the 1st CE. The Stupa later fell into ruins, but was
restored by the Archeological Survey of India in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Great Stupa No. 1
The oldest stone structure in India. 36.5 mt in diameter and 16.4 MT high, with
a massive hemispherical dome, the stupa stands in eternal majesty, the paved
procession path around it worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims.
The Eastern Gateway
Depicts the young prince, Gautama leaving his father's palace on his journey
towards enlightenment and the dream his mother had before his birth. The Western
Gateway Depicts the seven incarnations of the Buddha. The Northern Gateway
Crowned by a wheel-of-law, this depicts the miracles associated with the Buddha
as told in the jatakas. The Southern Gateway The birth of Gautama is revealed in
a series of dramatically rich carvings.
Stupa No. 2
The stupa stands at the very edge of the hill and its most striking feature is
the stone balustrade that rings it.
Stupa No. 3
Situated close to the great stupa. The hemispherical dome is crowned, as a mark
of its special religious significance, with an umbrella of polished stone. The
relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallena , two of the Buddha's earliest disciples,
were found in its inmost chamber
The Ashoka Pillar
Lies close to the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa, and is one of the finest
examples of the Ashokan pillar and is known for its aesthetic proportions and
exquisite structural balance.
The Great Bowl
Carved out of one block of stone, this mammoth bowl contained the food that was
distributed among the monks of Sanchi.
The Gupta Temple
In ruins now, this 5th century AD temple is one of the earliest known examples
of temple architecture in India.
The Buddhist Vihara
The sacred relics of the Satdhara Stupa, a few km away from Sanchi, have been
enshrined in a glass casket on a platform in the inner sanctum of his modern
monastery.
The Museum
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains a site museum at Sanchi. Note
worthy antiquities on display include the lion capital of the Ashokan pillar and
metal objects used by the monks, discovered during excavations at Sanchi.
How to get to Sanchi
By Air : Nearest airport is at Bhopal (46 km via Diwanganj and
78 km via Raisen) which is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior and Indore.
By Rail : Sanchi lies on the Jhansi-Itarsi section of the
Central Railways> However, the most convenient railhead is Vidisha (10 km).
By Road : Good, motorable roads connect Sanchi with Bhopal,
Indore, Sagar, Gwalior, Vidisha and raisen, besides other places.
By Air : Nearest airport is at Bhopal (46 km via Diwanganj and
78 km via Raisen) which is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior and Indore. 
