Sanchi

Sanchi is an old town on the banks of river Bethwina in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh. A great Buddha stupa built by Emperor Ashoka on Vidishagiri hill makes Sanchi a well known pilgrimage centre. The stupa made of sandstone is 18 metres high and has a diametre of 35 metres. During the 1 ^st century BC the satavahanas added four gates or toranas, the beams of which are shown supported by four elephants. In the 50 ^th century AD the Guptas placed four images of Buddha. After the decline of Buddhism in India, Sanchi became a forgotten place. After 1881 an Englishman General Taylor took initiative to preserve this land. Today the Sachi stupa is a small museum exhibiting Buddhist art and culture.