Sanchi

Sanchi is the site of one of India's oldest and most important Buddhist temples, built by King Ashoka (circa 273-236 B.C.), It has a Great Stupa (16m high and 37m diametre) and a number of smaller stupas. The four carved gateways (Toranas) have the finest Buddhist carving, and oldest stone sculpture, in India. The carvings show episodes from Buddha's life and what are believed to be early Indian royal palaces, which can be examined in conjunction with the approximately contemporary Ramayana. They are airy structures with wooden columns and flat roofs. Some of the temples at Sanchi (eg Temples 17 and 18) similar in plan to Greek temples dating from the same period with stone columns and porticos. Sanchi is not directly connected an incident in Buddha's life. Its old name The Hill of Vidisha (Vidishagiri) suggests it was chosen as a symbolic hill, visible from the town of Vidisha. Mountains were conceived as the home of the gods. The conversion of Sanchi from a monastry to a World Heritage site, and tourist attraction, has diminished its character and the metalled road which allows coaches to drive up the hill is unpleasant. But the old pilgrimage steps and paths through the woods retain a magical quality.