Another feather in Sanchi’s crown: Set to become India's first solar city

Another feather in Sanchi’s crown: Set to become India's first solar city

Sanchi, which boasts of being home to the world famous Sanchi Stupa, can now add another laurel to its glory. 

Sanchi in the central Indian state of  Madhya Pradesh is all set to become India's first solar city. Sanchi is 46km from Bhopal.

Located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi comes lauded as a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sanchi stupa
Sanchi is the world famous Buddhist site. The remains of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are among the finest relics of early Buddhism dating from 3nd century BC. 

The Great stupa at Sanchi is hailed as the crowning achievement of early north Indian sculpture.

The Sanchi stupa is a massive hemisphere of about 120 feet in diameter. 

The stupa was enlarged to twice its original size in the 2nd century AD. Lesser stupas and monastic buildings surround the great stupa.

Towards the end of the 1st century BC four glorious gateways (torana) were added at the four cardinal points. The Sanchi gateways are more remarkable for their carved ornamentation than their architecture. These gateways are carved with great skill. 

The Ashokan Pillar 
Located in the vicinity of the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa is located an Ashokan pillar. 
Erected by the Greatest Maurayan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the Ashokan pillar is a fine specimen of the Indian architecture and art in ancient times.   

Key Takeaways

  • Sanchi stupa was built by Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan emperor. 
  • Stupas or tumuli were built by the Buddhists. Stupas were over the divided ashes of the Buddha

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