The Historical and Architectural Importance of the Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi is a world heritage site situated about 50 kilometres from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. There are three stupas in Sanchi: Stupa-1, Stupa-2 and Stupa-3. Stupa-1 is believed to have relics of Buddha. Stupa-2 has relics of the less famous arhats, and Stupa-3 has the relics of Sariputta and Mahamougalayana. Stupa-1, also called the great stupa, is the oldest among the three.

The Sanchi Stupa is an example of the art and architecture which prevailed during the Mauryan empire. The primary reason for building the Stupas is believed to spread and preserve Buddhism’s philosophy.

Historical importance of the Sanchi Stupa

• The great Stupa is said to be the first and oldest Buddhist site in India, which also has the oldest stone structures constructed in it.
• Under King Ashoka’s reign, Sanchi Stupa was constructed in the 3rd Century BC. Sanchi Stupa was said to be built under the direct supervision of King Ashoka’s wife, Queen Devi, and his daughter.
• Many scholars believe that the great Stupa was destroyed by the Shunga Dynasty king, Pushyamitra Shungaking, in the 2nd Century BC. His son, Agnimitra, is said to have reconstructed the Stupa with stone slabs. Later, during the reign of the Shunga dynasty, the size of the stupa increased. This was mainly due to various developments made in that period.
• Sanchi’s Stupa-2 and Stupa-3 were also constructed during Magadh’s Shunga dynasty.
• Torans (gateways) were installed in Sanchi in the first century BC, during the Satavahana reign.
• Sanchi Stupa is a symbol of the Wheel of Law (or dharma). The complex of Sanchi was functional till the 12th century AD.
• In British records, the Sanchi Stupa was mentioned for the first time by Captain Edward Fell in 1819 AD.
• Sanchi’s present site was rediscovered and restored in 1919 under the then Director-General of Indian Archeological Survey, Sir John Hubert Marshall. 

Architecture of Sanchi Stupa

• The Stupas of Sanchi display the Buddhist style of architecture.
• The great Stupa has a hemispherical dome which is the main highlight of this site. This is also known as Anda. There is a base on which the main dome is rested, and there is a relic chamber.
• The dome is decorated with three structures called Chhatris, and it is believed that these structures stand for the three jewels of Buddhism, i.e. Dharma, Sangha and Buddha.
• The pedestal has a diameter of 120 feet and a height of 54 feet, making it unique nationally.
• It has four beautifully decorated ‘toranas’ (or gateways) which show Buddha’s various life events. Each Torana has three horizontal bars and two vertical pillars on the top. The horizontal bar has decorations of different sculptural themes on both sides, front and back.
• The Ashokan Lion Capital pillar is found on the southern side of the Stupa, proving that Sanchi had become a centre of artistic activities.

Features of Sanchi Stupa

• Initially, bricks were used in the construction of the Stupa, which expanded over time. It was eventually covered with stones due to the construction of toranas and vedikas (low walls). The design of Stupa’s toran and fencing reminds of Bamboo craft.
• It is believed that the southern gate of this site was constructed first, and others were added later on.
• There is a square railing (Harmika) on the top of the dome (Anda). On the top of the Harmika, there is an umbrella-like structure.
• The great Stupa has an upper and lower pradakshina path, a circumambulation path. The upper pradakshina path is unique to this site only. The pradakshina path around the great Stupa is covered with the vedika.
• Several historical events are carved with considerable details, like the siege of Kapilavastu and Ashoka’s visit to the Ramgrama Stupa.
• The Great Stupa (or Stupa-1) is the oldest among the three Stupas. However, the carving of images on the vedika of Stupa-2 is much older.

Significance of Sanchi Stupas in modern times 

• Sanchi Stupa was tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
• The national emblem of India is acquired from the Lion Capital, which was found at Sarnath and Sanchi.
• Designs of several modern-day buildings, like the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the dome of Birla Auditorium in Kolkata, are inspired by Sanchi Stupas.

Conclusion

The Great Stupa is said to be the oldest Buddhist site in India. There are three Stupas in Sanchi, and it is believed that Stupa-1 or the Great Stupa has the relics of Buddha. The present site of the Sanchi was rediscovered by Sir John Marshall, under whom it was preserved and restored.

The Sanchi Stupas are significant in India as their architecture continues to inspire modern-day architects. Their influence can be seen in various buildings in India.