Buddhism, a religion and philosophy deeply rooted in Indian culture, originated with the life of Prince Siddhartha Gautama of the Shakya clan in the 3rd century BCE. Motivated by a quest to understand the nature of suffering and the ultimate purpose of life, Siddhartha Gautama renounced his home and family. Following Buddha’s cremation, his ashes were placed in a casket and distributed among various tribes, while stupas were constructed to house these sacred relics.
After Buddha’s passing, different architectural structures were erected to commemorate his burial site and provide a place of worship for Buddhist followers. In India, there are several significant locations associated with four key events in Buddha’s life: his birth in Lumbani, enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, first preaching in Sarnath, and decease in Kasia. These places hold great reverence and serve as important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.
The Sacred City Of Sanchi.
Sanchi, located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a small town celebrated for its ancient Buddhist site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular spot for tourists. Formerly known as Kakanaya, Kakanadabota, and Bota-Sriparvata, Sanchi stands out for its exceptional replicas of Buddhist art and architecture from the early Mauryan period. The town is globally renowned for its stupas, monolithic Asokan pillars, temples, monasteries, and intricate sculptures. The monuments in Sanchi encompass a range of Buddhist structures dating from the 3rd century BCE under the Mauryan Empire, extending through the 5th century CE during the Gupta Empire, and concluding around the 12th century CE.
The establishment of Buddhist monuments at Sanchi can be attributed to the city of Vidisha, which was the former capital of ancient Eastern Malwa and a prosperous city in central India. The interest of the renowned Mauryan emperor Ashoka in Vidisha and its surroundings stemmed from the fact that his wife, Devi, hailed from this city. Moreover, the Sanchi hilltop provided an ideal location for the construction of a monastery, offering a conducive environment for meditation and various spiritual practices.
The Great Stupa.
The historic site of Sanchi in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is home to the remarkable Great Stupa, which stands out among the various buildings in the area. This stupa holds great significance as one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the country and also happens to be the largest structure at the site. Constructed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka during the 3rd century BCE, it is believed to house the remains of the Buddha. Unfortunately, in the second century BCE, this humble edifice fell into disrepair. However, it was eventually restored and expanded, incorporating new elements, and finally completed in the first century BCE. With a width of 120 feet (37 metres) and a height of 54 feet (17 metres), the stupa boasts a hemispherical dome encircled by a railing and four gateways. These gateways are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various stories from the life of the Buddha. Notably, the pillar of the Sanchi Stupa bears the Ashokan inscription known as the Schism Edict. Additionally, the stupa showcases an inscription in the decorative Sankha Lipi script from the Gupta period. Visitors to the Sanchi Stupa will also find an abundance of Brahmi inscriptions. All in all, this monument complex is considered to be one of the best-preserved Buddhist sites in India.
“Fun facts: Although the location is historically significant, Lord Buddha never visited it.”
In the subsequent centuries, the Great Stupa underwent expansion and embellishment, with the addition of gates and railings. This development was particularly prominent during the reigns of the Shungas and Satavahanas. Additionally, smaller stupas, such as Stupa No.2 and Stupa No.3, were constructed in the surrounding area. Stupa No.3, situated atop the Sanchi hill, is another well-preserved stupa that traces its origins back to the middle of the second century B.C.
Adjacent to the Great Stupa, visitors will find the Ashoka Pillar, which is a noteworthy architectural marvel. Positioned near the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa, this pillar is renowned for its harmonious proportions and exquisite structural equilibrium. These pillars exhibit a distinctive Greco-Buddhist style. Notably, the depiction of four lions standing back to back at the pinnacle of the Ashoka Pillar serves as the National Emblem of India.
Outstanding Universal Value.
Criterion (i): Stupa 1 stands out as an unparalleled artistic accomplishment due to its impeccable proportions and the intricate sculpted decorations adorning its four gateways. The collection of Buddhist structures at Sanchi, including stupas, temples, and monasteries, holds a special place in Indian art history for its exceptional antiquity and superior craftsmanship.
Criterion (ii): Stupa 1 is distinguished by its exceptional artistic achievement, characterised by its flawless proportions and the elaborate sculpted embellishments that grace its four entrances. The assemblage of Buddhist edifices at Sanchi, encompassing stupas, temples, and monasteries, occupies a significant position in the annals of Indian art history owing to its remarkable antiquity and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Criterion (iii): Sanchi, having retained its status as a prominent hub of Buddhism during the rise of Hinduism in early mediaeval India, holds a distinctive position as a significant Buddhist sanctuary from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.
Criterion (iv): The stupas located at Sanchi, specifically Stupa 1 and Stupa 3, epitomise the highest level of achievement in this category of monument. The spherical dome in the shape of an egg (anda), crowned with a square relic chamber (harmika), is constructed on a circular platform (medhi); it features one or two pathways for devotees to walk around (pradakshina patha). Serving as a shift from wooden constructions to stone, the railings (vedika) and gateways (torana) also demonstrate the enduring use of the basic forms of megalithic burial mounds covered with an external layer and enclosed by a fence.
Criterion (vi): Sanchi stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism, being one of the most ancient Buddhist sanctuaries in existence. Despite the fact that the revered Buddha himself never graced this site with his presence in any of his previous lives or during his time on Earth, the spiritual significance of this shrine is unmistakable. Within the sacred confines of Stupa 3’s chamber of relics, the mortal remains of Sariputra, a devoted disciple of Shakyamuni who passed away just half a year before his revered master, are enshrined. Sariputra holds a special place of veneration among the adherents of the “small vehicle” or Hinayana tradition.
Integrity: The property, encompassing Buddhist monuments, features sculpted pillars, sanctuaries, temples, and viharas in Sanchi’s hillock. It showcases mature art and architecture. The property is in good conservation, but threats include villagers’ pressure to use right-of-way, incursions, and village development. The property’s size ensures a complete representation of its significance.
Authenticity: The Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi are authentic in their locations, design, materials, and spirit. The stupas, numbered 1, 2, and 3, were restored in the early 20th century and showcase mature Indian features. Despite being abandoned for 600 years, Sanchi has seen a revival of pilgrimage, particularly from Sri Lanka, highlighting its religious significance. The site is alive with chants and prayers to immortalise the remains of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, two of Lord Buddha’s foremost disciples.
Buddhist architectural achievements in India have a profound impact on the nation’s historical and cultural legacy. Originating from antiquity, Buddhist architecture serves as a testament to the dissemination and impact of Buddhism throughout the Indian subcontinent. The various architectural designs and edifices linked to Buddhism have been instrumental in moulding India’s artistic and religious scenery. These architectural wonders persist in evoking admiration and respect, safeguarding Buddhism’s abundant history and spiritual core for future generations.
File reference:
Centre, U.W.H. (no date) Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/524/ (Accessed: 29 May 2024).
Sacred sanchi (no date) MPTourism. Available at: https://www.mptourism.com/destination-sanchi.php (Accessed: 29 May 2024).
Contribution of buddhism in architecture of India (no date) Contribution of buddhism in architecture of india | International Journal of Current Advanced Research. Available at: https://journalijcar.org/issues/contribution-buddhism-architecture-india (Accessed: 29 May 2024).
