13-September-2024-Editorial

SANCHI STUPA AND THE REPLICA OF THE EAST GATE IN GERMANY

The Sanchi Stupa is one of India’s oldest stone structures and a significant monument of Buddhist art and architecture.

Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi Stupa in Berlin, Germany, which stands as a testimony to the global admiration of this ancient heritage.

The replica, situated in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum, is a full-scale reproduction of the original structure.

Replica of the East Gate in Berlin

• Dimensions: The replica stands almost 10 meters high, 6 meters wide, and weighs about 150 tonnes.
• Historical Journey: The East Gate’s journey to Europe began when Lieutenant Henry Hardy Cole created a plaster cast of the gate in the 1860s for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
• Replicas in Europe: Several copies of this plaster cast were later made and exhibited across European museums. In 1886, a cast of the original gate was displayed in Berlin’s Königliches Museum für Völkerkunde.
• Modern Reconstruction: The latest Berlin replica was created using advanced technology such as 3D scanning and was crafted by skilled German and Indian artisans. Modern robots also contributed to its construction, using artificial stone and photographs for precision.

About Sanchi Stupa

Built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka, the Sanchi Stupa is a hemispherical brick structure, located near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.

• Supervised by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, who was from the nearby town of Vidisha.
• Supported by the local mercantile community, the Stupa soon became a symbol of Buddhist architecture.

Expansion:

• In the 2nd century BC, during the Shunga period, the Stupa was enlarged, with sandstone slabs, a circumambulatory path, and a harmika (square railing on top) being added.
• From the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, the four stone gateways, or toranas, were added, featuring intricate carvings of Buddhist imagery and stories.

Rediscovery and Preservation Efforts

• Rediscovery: The Sanchi Stupa was found in ruins by British officer Henry Taylor in 1818.
• Early Excavations: The first formal excavations were led by Alexander Cunningham in 1851.
• Preservation: In 1853, Sikander Begum of Bhopal offered to send the Sanchi gateways to Queen Victoria, but this was postponed due to the 1857 revolt.

• In 1868, she renewed the offer, but colonial authorities preferred to preserve the gateway in situ. A plaster cast of the eastern gateway was made instead.

• Restoration: The Sanchi Stupa was restored by John Marshall, the then-director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in the 1910s. The begums of Bhopal funded these efforts, and a museum was established at the site in 1919.

Architectural Elements of Sanchi Stupa

• Anda: The hemispherical dome of the Stupa, which symbolizes the mound of earth covering the relics of Buddha.
• Harmika: A square railing located at the top of the anda, symbolizing the abode of the gods.
• Chattra: An umbrella-like structure on top of the harmika, representing protection and honor.
• Yashti: The central pillar supporting the chattra, symbolizing the axis of the universe.
• Railing: Surrounding the Stupa, it demarcates the sacred area and provides a boundary between the spiritual space and the outer world.
• Pradakshinapatha: A circumambulatory path allowing devotees to walk clockwise around the Stupa, a significant form of worship in Buddhist traditions.
• Torana (Gateway): The monumental gateways or entrances to the Stupa, which are richly adorned with carvings and reliefs.
• Medhi: The base platform of the Stupa, which elevates the main structure.

UNESCO Recognition

In 1989, Sanchi Stupa was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a symbol of India’s rich Buddhist heritage and is celebrated worldwide for its architectural and spiritual significance.

Gateways of Sanchi Stupa

• Construction: The four gateways, oriented toward the cardinal directions, were constructed in the 1st century BCE, during the Satavahana dynasty’s reign.
• Structure: These gateways consist of two square pillars supporting three curved architraves, which are intricately carved with Buddhist motifs.
• Engravings: The pillars and architraves feature carvings depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols such as the shalabhanjika, elephants, winged lions, and peacocks.

• Interestingly, the Buddha is not represented in human form on these gates.

Philosophical Significance of the Gateways

• Upper Architrave: Represents the seven Manushi Buddhas or previous incarnations of Buddha.
• Middle Architrave: Depicts the Great Departure, where Prince Siddhartha leaves his home in search of enlightenment.
• Lower Architrave: Shows Emperor Ashoka visiting the Bodhi tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Conclusion

The Sanchi Stupa is a remarkable example of Buddhist architecture, representing spiritual, historical, and architectural significance.

Its preservation and global admiration, as seen through the Berlin replica, reflect the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage.

The monument not only continues to inspire reverence but also fosters international collaboration in the preservation of ancient relics.