The four gateways
Finely carved scenes.
Patrick J. Finn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Suyash Dwivedi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christian-wittmann-1964 — CC0 · Suyash Dwivedi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Suyash Dwivedi — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a Buddhist complex on a hilltop in Madhya Pradesh, 46 km northeast of Bhopal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone structures in India, drawing visitors with its four carved gateways, masterpieces of ancient Indian art. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka commissioned it in the 3rd century BC, at first as a simple brick hemisphere over relics, crowned with a symbolic parasol. In the 1st century BC four ornamental gateways and a balustrade were added around it. The site was probably occupied into the 10th or 11th century. The dome is 36.6 m across and 16.46 m high. The gateways are covered in finely carved narrative scenes, and a terrace with a double stone stair circles the dome. The hill also has smaller stupas, including Stupa 3, along with the remains of monasteries and a temple, explanatory panels and a small museum. It is an easy half-day drive from Bhopal, 46 km away, so take your time over the gateway carvings. Early morning or before sunset is best, as the hill is exposed, so bring a hat and water. It is a Buddhist site still visited by pilgrims, so behave with respect and dress modestly. Do not climb on or touch the carvings.
Finely carved scenes.
36.6 m across.
Smaller, on the same hill.
Sanchi Hill, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
Emperor Ashoka commissioned it in the 3rd century BC.
Yes, it is 46 km away, and a half day is enough.