We drove 46kms away from Bhopal to
reach Sanchi stupas that are one of the oldest stone structures in India and
important monument of Indian architecture
Originally commissioned
by Emperor Ashoka, the great of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century,
its nucleus were built over the relics of Buddha on a raised terrace
encompassing its base, a railing and a stone umbrella on the summit..
Although made of stone, the gateways are
carved and constructed in the manner of wood and the gateways are covered with
narrative sculptures, considered as the birthplace of Jataka illustrations
The reliefs show scenes
from the life of the Buddha integrated with everyday events that would be
familiar to the onlookers and so makes it easier for them to understand the
Buddhist creed as relevant to their lives. Women were given the equal status and women are seen also
riding the elephants.
The complex is huge and
there are many different shape and sizes of stupas.
It was a scenic spot and we could see the bird's eye view of the city. There is a small
restaurant-cum-handicraft shop that burnt our pockets and we gave the
shopkeeper a lot of business.
There were geese (symbolical perhaps of the flock of the Buddha's disciples), happily moving around in the compound
and were a target for our photography.
On the northern slope,
just before the stupa is the Chethiyagiri Buddish Temple and a museum.
To
be continued….
