[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v2.c45.134 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c45.134 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c45.134 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c45.134](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c45.134) \*\*Sanchi\*\* (23°28'; 77°48'), Dt Raisen, with impressive Buddhist remains ranging in date from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D., situated on a low hill-top, anciently known as Vedisa-giri (due to its proximity to Vidiśā, BESNAGAR) Cetiya-giri, Kākanāda-boṭa and Bota-śrī-parvata. The main \*stūpa\*, Stūpa 1, the outstanding monument on the hill, is believed to have been built by Aśoka in the 3rd century B.C., and one of his queens is said to have built a monastery here. Aśoka set up one of his pillars near his \*stūpa\*, surmounted it by a four-lioned capital and had his anti-schism edict inscribed on it. Evidently the \*stūpa\* enshrined the relics of Buddha which have however not been recovered. In the next century the brick \*stūpa\* was encased in stone, doubling the size of the original \*stūpa\*, the remains of which now lie hidden under the stonework. Balustrades, of a series of uprights with lenticular cross-bars and capped by large copings, were added on the ground level at a short distance from cylindrical \*medhī\* (tall base) and around the terrace of the \*aṇḍa\* (near-hemispherical dome) approached by a double flight of steps on the s. and the flattened top of the \*aṇḍa\* was crowned by a triple umbrella set up at the centre of a heavy stone box within a square railing. The members of the balustrades are inscribed with donative records in Brāhmī \[20.4.2\] of the 2nd century B.C. Another century later imposing gateways, elaborately carved variously with scenes of the life of Buddha and of his previous births (\*jātakas\*), events of the subsequent history of Buddhism, scenes relating to the Mănuṣi-Buddhas and miscellaneous scenes and decorations, were set up at the cardinal directions. The carvings, lacking the sophistication of the later ages, nobly illustrate the early stages of Indian sculptural art. - [Previous: v2.c45.133](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c45.133) - [Next: v2.c45.135](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c45.135) - [Up: v2.c45](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c45) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c45.134](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c45.134) · Pramāṇa