Sanchi Torana: The Great Stupa Gateway

Sanchi Torana: The Great Stupa Gateway

The Sanchi Torana stands as a stone manuscript of early Buddhist tradition. The construction of the Great Sanchi Stupa is attributed to Ashoka. However, the highly ornate toranas of almost 8.53 m high were added during the Satavahana period. Chronologically, the Eastern torana was constructed second last, amongst all. The best-preserved torana, which displays the immaculate perfection of the lithic art, is from the Northern Gateway. The tradition of portraying Buddha in sacred symbols such as footprints, empty thrones, stupas, and Bodhi trees is carried on by these gateways. That's why we don't find any depiction of Buddha in his human form. The Southern Torana inscription attributes the ornamental entrance to Vidisa's ivory artisans. They have chiseled the synoptic narrations throughout the toranas. The major themes of these gateways can be classified into five 5 groups: Buddha’s life scenes, Jataka Tales, Subsequent history of Buddhism, Depictions related to Manushi-Buddha, Miscellaneous The site lost its prominence in the fourteenth century and went into oblivion until General Taylor rediscovered Sanchi Stupa in 1818. After extensive excavation and conservation, Sir John Marshall brought the monuments to their present condition. Today, the whole Sanchi Stupa complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site.