Question

The Sanchi monument is one of the most well-preserved Indian Buddhist stupas located in which of the following states?
1. Madhya Pradesh
2. Uttar Pradesh
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Madhya Pradesh

The Correct Answer is "Madhya Pradesh".

• Sanchi Stupa is a historic site of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh state, India.
• It is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the country and the largest stupa at the site.
• The Great Stupa (also called stupa no. 1) was originally built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is believed to house the ashes of the Buddha.
• The building is 120 feet (37 meters) wide and 54 feet (17 meters) high.
• The Great Stupa and Sanchi’s other Buddhist monuments were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.

 

• The central structure consists of a hemispherical dome on a base, with a deep chamber within.
• The dome symbolizes, among other things, the dome of heaven enclosing the earth.
• It is surmounted by a squared railing that can be said to represent the world mountain.
• A central pillar (Vashti) symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure, which is held to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism—the Buddha, the dharma (doctrine), and the sangha (community).
• A circular terrace (Medhi), enclosed by a railing, surrounds the dome, on which the faithful are to circumambulate in a clockwise direction.
• The entire structure is enclosed by a low wall (vedika), which is punctuated at the four cardinal points by toranas (ceremonial gateways).