Sanchi Stupas - India

Sanchi known for its "Stupas" is a small village in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the location of several Buddhist monuments dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th CE and is one of the important places of Buddhist pilgrimage.
It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi are on the World Heritage List since 1989.

Archaeological Survey of India

 

Stupas are hemispherical structures typically containing relics of the Buddha or his followers. The Stupas of Sanchi were constructed on the orders of Emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread the Buddhist philosophy. Sanchi has been protecting these beautiful and sacred architectural wonders, just the way these wonders have been safeguarding ancient history and art of the Mauryan period.  in: https://www.mptourism.com

 

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the features of Sanchi since it is believed to be the oldest Buddhist stone structure in India which was built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great in 3rd Century BCE. The present Stupa is twice the size of the original size of the stupa built in 3rd Century. The stupa in present is 16m in height and 36m in diameter for the pedestal. The nucleus of Stupa is simple hemispherical brick structure said to be built on the relics of Lord Buddha. It was said that the construction work of this Stupa was overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Queen Devi. 

Four elaborately carved toranas/ornamental gateways were built in 1st Century BCE. - in: https://www.originalbuddhas.com