The Great Stupa
The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally built by Ashoka in the third century B.C. The Great Stupa was later enlarged. The original brick stupa was enclosed within a stone one. At present it stands 16 metres high and 37 metres in diameter. A balcony, walkway and railing encircles the Stupa. After 75 years, the four magnificently carved gateways or Toranas were built. These Toranas are among the finest works of Buddhist art in India. In 450 AD, four images of the Buddha (belonging to the later period) were placed facing each of the four gateways. The four gateways were erected around 35 B.C. They fell down during restoration. The scenes carved on the pillars are from the Jataka Tales, about the previous lives of Lord Buddha and events in the subsequent history of Buddhism. There were legends concerning the Buddha’s previous lives before he was reincarnated as Siddhartha, Gautama the Buddha. The gateways have been so

finely carved and with such inspiration that they are regarded as the finest of all Buddhist toranas. The northern gateway is the best preserved. At that time, the Buddha was not worshipped in human form. His presence was often indicated by the Bodhi tree or his footsteps. Some of the interesting scenes from Buddha’s life like ascending a road into the air and a monkey offering a bowl of honey to Buddha are shown on the gateway. Elephants in four directions support the architraves above the columns while horses with riders and elephants fill the gaps between the architraves. Buddha’s life and teachings are conveyed through symbols in early Buddhist art. Various pillars are scattered around the side of stupa. The most important among these is Pillar No. 10 which was erected by Ashoka and stands close to the south entrance of the stupa. Only the base of this beautifully proportioned shaft stands now. The three back-to-back lions which once topped the column are a good example of Greek-Buddhist art of that period. They now form part of India’s national emblem and can be seen on every bank-note. There are a few more interesting pillars which can be seen here. 

Other Stupas
The various other stupas in Sanchi are the Stupa II and Stupa III. Stupa II is one of the most interesting of the lesser Stupas. There are no gateways here but the medallions which decorate the surrounding walls are interesting. Flowers, animals, people and some mythological creatures adorn the walls. Stupa III stands in the north-east of the Great Stupa. It has only one gateway. It is smaller in size and similar in design to the Great Stupa. It is believed that this Stupa was built soon after the Great Stupa was constructed.