Introduction:
The Sanchi Stupa, located on a hilltop near Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most well-preserved Buddhist monuments in India.
Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the Great Stupa is the most prominent of the Sanchi structures, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and his followers.
Body:
Evolution of the Great Stupa at Sanchi:
- The Great Stupa is the largest and oldest structure within a complex of stupas, temples, and monasteries at Sanchi, with the latest additions dating to the 12th century CE.
- Ashoka’s wife, Devi, a native of nearby Vidisha, played a significant role in its construction, and patronage from the local mercantile community financed much of the complex.
- The iconic four toranas (gateways), facing the cardinal directions, were added in the 1st century BCE during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty.
- Originally built of brick, the stupa was later enlarged and encased in sandstone during the Shunga period (mid-2nd century BCE), demonstrating the ongoing evolution of the structure.
- The toranas, with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, were funded by devotees, as indicated by inscriptions on the pillars.
- Further expansions during the Gupta dynasty saw the addition of a Buddhist temple and the lion capital, reflecting continued religious significance.
Impact on European Cultural and Architectural Developments:
- The East Gate of the Sanchi Stupa became particularly famous in Europe after being “discovered” in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor.
- Systematic excavations began under Alexander Cunningham in 1851, and further restoration by John Marshall in the early 20th century revitalized the site.
- Lieutenant Henry Hardy Cole created a plaster cast of the East Gate, which was displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, leading to widespread replicas across Europe, including the Humboldt Forum in Berlin.
- The replica of the East Gate continues to serve as a symbol of cultural exchange, influencing European museum displays and architectural aesthetics.
Conclusion:
Sanchi remained a flourishing religious center from the 3rd century BCE until the 13th century CE, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Buddhism in India.
Its decline coincided with the gradual decline of Buddhism in the subcontinent, but its architectural and cultural influence extended far beyond, leaving a mark on global heritage, particularly in Europe.