Sanchi

the many many wonders at Sanchi. The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi, famous for its Great Stupa is located atSanchi Town in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, it is located 46 km north-east of Bhopal.

The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. The construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka's wife, Devi herself, who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding. In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added, in the reign of the Satavanas. the complex had many structures, Chaityas, Viharas ans Stupas. two of the lesser stupas, contained the relics of Seriputra and Mogiyana, the Buddhas disciples. the complex situated close to the ancient city of Vidisha, would have housed a substantial Buddhist community in its hey day. its ruins tell a grand tale of a splendorous past...

A British officer in 1818, General Taylor, was the first known Western historian to document (in English) the existence of Sanchi (Sāñcī). Amateur archaeologists and treasure hunters ravaged the site until 1881, when proper restoration work was initiated. Between 1912 and 1919 the structures were restored to their present condition under the supervision of Sir John Marshall.

Today, around fifty monuments remain on the hill of Sanchi, including three stupas and several temples. The monuments have been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1989.

this is perhaps a representation of the Emperor Ashoka Maurya, who is depicted in a state of shock, nearly collapsing, needing the support of his two wives, at the sight of the wilted Bodhi tree, the tree he revered more than anything else..