At a distance of 46 km from Bhopal, Sanchi is an exotic example of Buddhist architecture of ancient India. It is believed that Emperor Ashoka (273-236 BC) built these most magnificent structures of ancient India called the Stupas. Stupas are the large hemispherical domes containing a central chamber, in which the relics of the Buddha were placed. These Stupas trace the development of the Buddhist architecture and sculpture at the same location beginning from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century AD.
“ When I had to come to India, I was deciding which theme to follow. Buddhist tourism made me feel that I should follow this trail. And Sanchi Stupa came under the same trail.” said Ria Johnson, a traveller from Canada.
Ashoka when he was a governor married Devi, the daughter of a respected citizen of Vidisha, a town 10 km from the Sanchi hill. Prince Mahendra visited Sanchi with his mother before leaving for the island of Lanka for taking Buddhism there.
Sanchi stupas are noteworthy for their gateways as they contain ornamented depiction of incidents from the life of the Buddha and his previous incarnations as Bodhisattvas described in Jataka tales. Sculptors belonging to different times tried to depict the same story by repeating figures. The Buddha has been shown symbolically in the form of tree or through other inanimate figures. One of the sects of Buddhism opposed depiction of the Buddha by a human figure.
Emperor Ashoka had put up at Sanchi a pillar edict and a Stupa containing relics of the Buddha. Addition of new Stupas and expressions in stone of legends around the life of the Buddha and the monastic activities at the Sanchi hill continued under several dynasties for over fifteen hundred years.
Also, the Brahmi script could be deciphered from the similarities in inscriptions carved at different places in the main stupa.
The top of the Ashoka pillar, which comprises of four lions, has been kept in the museum maintained by the Department of Archaeology. The size and the weight of the pillar point to advanced construction technology that was existent at the time of Ashoka. To bring the stone for carving the pillar from the mine to Sanchi and installing it up the hill itself is an example of efficient engineering.
UNESCO has included the place as one of the heritage sites of the world.
“ No other place could have such a wonderful archictecture, this was my first reaction and I still maintain. Only think I feel that they should promote this site well. It is beautiful” said Ria Johnson
Ashoka when he was a governor married Devi, the daughter of a respected citizen of Vidisha, a town 10 km from the Sanchi hill. Prince Mahendra visited Sanchi with his mother before leaving for the island of Lanka for taking Buddhism there.
ASI museum :
Archeological Survey of India has a museum which houses number of artifacts from Buddhist era. A visit to ASI museum is must.
Vidisha :
Located 10 kms from Sanchi, Vidisha bid a scenic landscape which makes it a focal point for many travellers across the country.
For people who follow Buddhism, this is an ultimate place, but for those who even don’t follow it, it is an idyllic site to spectacle.
“ Many....I have number of moments. I just love the site and as and when I get the time, I sit down and see the videoshooot I did there....” ended Ria Johnson
Getting There
By Air : The nearest airport is Bhopal.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is at Vidisha, which is 10 kms from the city.
By Road : Sanchi is well connected to Bhopal, Vidisha and Indore with a well laid out road network.
Many thanks to Ria Johnson, who shared his experience with us.
