Context:
India’s External Affairs Minister recently toured the full-scale replica of the East Gate of the Sanchi Stupa, which is displayed at the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin, Germany. This meticulous reproduction, matching the original in size and scale, measures nearly 10 meters in height and 6 meters in width, with a weight of approximately 150 tonnes, underscoring the deep cultural ties and shared heritage celebrated internationally.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of Sanchi Stupa
- Detailed Aspects of the Gateways
Overview of Sanchi Stupa
Origin and Expansion
- Founder: Emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE.
- Location and Influence: Overseen by Ashoka’s spouse, Devi, from Vidisha, the stupa garnered support from the local trading community.
- Historical Enhancements: During the Shunga period in the 2nd century BCE, it was expanded with additional structures like sandstone slabs, a circumambulatory path, and a harmika topped with a chattra.
- Addition of Toranas: Between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century AD, four intricately carved gateways were added, illustrating Buddhist teachings and stories.
Rediscovery and Conservation
- Rediscovery: Identified in a deteriorated state in 1818 by Henry Taylor.
- First Formal Excavation: Led by Alexander Cunningham in 1851.
- Conservation Attempts: Initial efforts to relocate the gateways to England were thwarted by logistical and political challenges, leading to in-situ preservation strategies initiated in 1868.
- Restoration: Under the Archaeological Survey of India, John Marshall led restoration efforts in the 1910s, funded by the Begums of Bhopal, culminating in the establishment of a museum in 1919 to oversee ongoing conservation.
Architectural Features
- Anda (Dome): Hemispherical structure symbolizing the celestial sphere.
- Harmika: Square railing atop the mound, signifying a sacred enclosure.
- Chattra: Umbrella-like structure symbolizing protection and sovereignty.
- Yashti: Central pillar supporting the chattra, highlighting the axis mundi.
- Railing: Encircles the stupa, marking the transition between the mundane and the sacred.
- Pradakshinapatha: Circumambulatory path that facilitates meditative walking.
- Torana: Monumental gateways that serve as both architectural and spiritual entries.
- Medhi: The platform base supporting the stupa’s dome.
Cultural Recognition
- UNESCO Status: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1989 due to its historical and architectural significance.
Detailed Aspects of the Gateways
Structural Design
- Era of Construction: Built during the Satavahana dynasty in the first century BCE.
- Architecture: Composed of two square pillars supporting a structure topped with three spiral-ended architraves.
Decorative Elements
- Iconography: Features extensive carvings including scenes from Buddha’s life and Jataka tales.
- Shalabhanjika Motif: Illustrative carvings of a yakshi clutching a tree branch, along with figures of elephants, winged lions, and peacocks, enrich the cultural tapestry without depicting Buddha in human form.
Symbolic Interpretations
- Upper Architrave: Represents the lineage of the seven Manushi Buddhas.
- Middle Architrave: Showcases the ‘Great Departure’ of Siddhartha.
- Lower Architrave: Depicts Emperor Ashoka’s transformation post-enlightenment at the Bodhi tree.
-Source: Indian Express
