Ancient History of India

Consider the following observations about the largest stupa at Sanchi:

• 1. Going by information available from the inscriptions on the railings of the stupa, the construction of part of one of its gateways was financed by the Guild of Ivory workers.
• 2. In its original early form, this stupa was plain except for the stone railings and the gateways, which were richly carved.
• 3. The panels on the four gateways contain sculptures only in the front and have no sculptures on the rear side.
• 4. In 1918, when the stupa was discovered, all of its four gates were intact but the mound was in poor condition.
• 5. Art historians have established clear connections between the sculptures of the stupa with events described in Jataka Tales.
• 6. War scenes have also been depicted in these sculptures.

Which of the observations given above are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2, 3 and 4 only” option2=”2, 3, 4 and 5 only” option3=”3, 4, 5 and 6 only” option4=”1, 2, 5 and 6 only” correct=”option4″]

Let’s evaluate each statement based on historical and archaeological evidence related to the Great Stupa at Sanchi (Stupa No. 1):
1. Correct: An inscription on the southern gateway mentions that a part of the gateway was financed by the guild of ivory workers from Vidisha.
2. Correct: The original Stupa built by Ashoka was a simple structure. It was later enlarged and encased in stone, and the elaborate stone railings and carved gateways (toranas) were added during the Sunga and Satavahana periods, making them richly carved while the mound remained relatively plain.
3. Incorrect: The gateways (toranas) are carved on both the inner and outer faces, depicting narratives and symbols.
4. Incorrect: The stupa was rediscovered by General Taylor in 1818, not 1918. By then, the gateways had fallen, and the mound was overgrown. Extensive restoration work was carried out later, notably by Sir John Marshall from 1912 to 1919.
5. Correct: Many sculptures on the gateways depict scenes from the Jataka tales (stories of Buddha’s previous lives) and important events from the life of Buddha (e.g., the Great Departure, Enlightenment).
6. Correct: While the primary themes are Buddhist narratives, some panels can be interpreted as depicting conflicts or symbolic battles, such as the defeat of Mara’s army during the Enlightenment, which represents the struggle against negative forces. These might be considered ‘war scenes’ in a broader, symbolic sense within the context of religious struggle.

Based on this assessment, statements 1, 2, 5, and 6 are considered correct.

The Sanchi Stupa is a key example of early Indian Buddhist architecture and sculpture. Its expansion and embellishment over centuries reflect evolving artistic styles and patronage, including contributions from guilds and individuals. The sculptures are renowned for their narrative quality, depicting religious themes without anthropomorphic representation of the Buddha in the earliest phase.

The four elaborately carved gateways (toranas) facing the cardinal directions are the most striking features of the Great Stupa. They depict various scenes related to Buddhism, including Jataka stories, events from Buddha’s life (often represented by symbols like the Bodhi tree or chakra), and scenes of devotion and nature. The incorrect statements about carvings only on the front and the discovery/condition in 1918 are factual errors. The interpretation of ‘war scenes’ (Statement 6) might be debated depending on the strict definition, but depictions of conflict, particularly symbolic ones like Mara’s army, are present.