Page 250 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

248  CENTR AL INDIA

Sanchi: The Great Stupa

India’s finest surviving Buddhist monument and World
Heritage Site, the Great Stupa at Sanchi, was built in
the 2nd century BC. Its hemispherical shape is variously
believed to symbolize the upturned alms bowl of a
Buddhist monk, or an umbrella of protection for followers
of the Buddhist dharma. The stupa’s main glory lies in its
four stone toranas (gateways), added in the 1st century BC.
Their sculptures replicate the techniques of wood and
ivory carving, and cover a rich variety of Buddhist themes.
West Gateway
This animated scene from the
Jataka Tales shows monkeys
scrambling across a bridge
to escape from soldiers.

Circumambulatory Paths
The paths have balustrades carved
with medallions of flowers, birds
and animals, and the names of
donors who funded them.

Architrave Detail
The intricate carving
South Gateway on the architraves is
The Wheel of Law, being believed to be the
worshipped by devotees, work of ivory and
symbolizes the Buddha. wood carvers.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp696–7 and p710

248-249_EW_India.indd 248 26/04/17 11:44 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm