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. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. 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. It
has four profusely carved ornamental gateways and a balustrade encircling the
whole structure.
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