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The complex of Buddhist monuments on top of the hill at Sanchi in central India is unique. As well as having one of the best preserved Indian stupas, the full range of Buddhist art and architecture from the third century BC to the twelth AD can be studied here. Although there are earlier remains the main foundation - a core of bricks and mud and mortar of 18m. diam. - was thought to have been laid by King Asoka (c. 273 – 236 BC) with the building of the main stupa and the errection of one of his famous pillars.
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SANCHI The plateau on the hill is surrounded by a stone wall about 400 x 200 metres, built in the eleventh century. Within the wall are at least fifty monuments – stupas, temples, pillars, monasteries, images and other miscellaneous buildings.
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 The main Sanchi stupa, above, is now 37m x 17m high; it encases an earlier mound usually attributed to King Asoka. The current stupa is an excellent example of extended development – beginning as a simple mound and ending two centuries later as an ornate work of art. The outside railings and four gates (left picture) are particularly fine examples of Indian craftsmanship. |
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