Sanchi

Ancient India (Gupta) · India

Field notes

civilizations

Ancient India (Gupta)

types

Ceremonial pyramid · Sanctuary

occupied

300 BCE — 1,200 CE

country

India

The site

Sanchi is a Buddhist complex crowning a hilltop in Madhya Pradesh, India, famous for its Great Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in the country. Commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, its hemispherical dome was raised over relics of the Buddha and topped by a parasol-like chatra marking their high rank. In the 1st century BCE four elaborately carved gateways and an encircling balustrade were added to the shrine.

Nearby sites

~270 km

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

~387 km

Ajanta Caves

~402 km

Fatehpur Sikri

~412 km

Taj Mahal