Sanchi

Sanchi, a small little town in the state of Madhya Pradesh is renowned for soaring the fame of Buddhism to excellent heights. Addressed as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota in the ancient times, Sanchi was a prime trading hub for many business merchants. The town gladly flaunts its rich Buddhist art and culture. This fantabulous place with rich cultural heritage is famed for Asoka pillar, the world famous Stupa, monasteries and prosperous architectural treasure.

Sanchi rose to the zenith of fame during the rule of the Mauryan Empire between 3rd Century BC to 12th Century AD. The daring Emperor Asoka contributed greatly for the spread of Buddhism. Highly influenced by the ardent Buddha devotee named Devi, The King constructed the Stupa 1, which served highly to spread the fame of Buddha and his teachings far and wide. The Satvahanas constructed the magnificent gateways to the Great Stupa. The carvings on the pillars and gateways explain about the life and achievements of Lord Buddha. During the Gupta rule around 14th century, some temples and monasteries were built.

Our National Emblem is taken from the famous Ashoka pillar, where at the end of a tall pole four standings lions are placed back to back facing four different directions. The site was neglected and abandoned after the 14th century. But during the 18th century this little town was brought back to light by General Taylor. In about 1919, Sir John Marshall built an archaeological museum. Recently UNESCO tagged Sanchi as a ‘Site of Cultural Heritage’ and excavation work is in progress here.

The town of Sanchi has a lot to offer for those keen on historic splendour. Apart from history this beautiful town is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. Sanchi’s serene and calm topography is certainly a solace to those who are coming from a busy city life.

October-March is the best time to visit Sanchi. Festival of Chethiyagiri Vihara is celebrated with great devotion in the month of November. Many budget-hotels and cafeterias are set up for the convenience of the tourists.

History
Sanchi was the centre for the Hinayana form of Buddhism and it nothing much associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. It was Emperor Ashoka who was one of the ardent disciple of Buddha, in the third century BC built the first stupa in Sanchi.This was followed by the construction of other stupas and Buddhist buildings in the preceding years. But however soon there was a decline in Buddhism during which the monuments and the stupas were not maintained at all. It was only in the year 1818 Sanchi was rediscovered and renewed by a British Officer, General Taylor. But again there was a fall in the monuments when the amateur archaeologists tried treasure hunting here. Between 1912 and 1919, the structures were carefully repaired and restored through the efforts of an archaeologist and historian, Sir George Marshal.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism

Madhya Pradesh Tourism got its name because of its geographical position, being located in the centre of India. However, it's tagline 'The Heart of Incredible India' has more to do with the fact that it houses facets of the whole of India into this state. From the historical monuments to modern amenities, culture, food and people- this state gives a taste of entire India packed within its geographical boundaries.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states that is surrounded by other states on all its sides. It lies in the plain regions of the country and occupies one of the oldest parts of the Indian Subcontinent which was once the land of the Gonds called the Gondwana. Every twelve years the grand fair of Kumbh Mela is organised here. Madhya Pradesh has some spectacular historical places in its region, of which a temple made of glass in Indore is quite famous. Ujjain, a sacred city for the Hindus, is a renowned place in the world as it is one of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Madhya Pradesh is particularly famous for its Khajuraho temples which exhibit the erotic sculptures depicting the ancient India Kama Sutra text. The great Sanchi Stupa constructed during King Ashoka's reign is situated here in Bhopal. The Bandhavgarh National Park which houses the Barasingha and the Tigers reserve is also located here.