Ancient site · Monument
Sanchi
Also known as Great Stupa of Sanchi
A hilltop group of Buddhist monuments near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa was begun by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE as a brick dome over relics of the Buddha; it was later enlarged in stone and given a railing and four carved gateways (toranas) in the 1st century BCE, covered with stories from the Buddha's lives.
Temples and monasteries were added until the 12th century CE. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India.
- Dates
- 3rd century BCE–12th century CE
- Still standing
- Yes
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Yes
- Location
- 23.48° N, 77.74° E
How we know
Hundreds of donor inscriptions on the railings and gateways, and an Ashokan edict, record who built and paid for it.
Nearby sites
- Bhimbetka rock shelters paintings c. 10,000 BCE (Mesolithic) to medieval times; occupation far older
- Bharhut railings c. 125–100 BCE (some argue 1st century CE); later abandoned
- Ajanta Caves (early caves) early caves c. 2nd century BCE–1st century CE; second phase c. 460–480 CE
- Iron pillar of Delhi c. 400 CE (reign of Chandragupta II, c. 375–415 CE)
- Lothal c. 2300–1900 BCE
- Sarnath c. 250 BCE–1194 CE