Introduction: The Sanchi sculptures, a treasure trove of early Indian art, are a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India. These sculptures, which embellished the 1st-century BC gateways of the Buddhist relic mound known as the Great Stupa at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, are among the most magnificent monuments of their time.

Mathura, and Vengi in Andhra Pradesh (Guntur District) is noteworthy in the stylistic progression. It has four beautifully decorated toranas depicting various events from the life of the Buddha and the Jataka. Here, they have also depicted sculptures depicting the normal life. Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is hands down the best conserve Buddhist Monument of India.

The Great Stupa

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India. Originally architect by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE, the stupa built over the relics of the Buddha. Initiating the construction of 84,000 stupas to preserve the relics of Buddha. He aims to honor and safeguard the important remnants of Buddha’s legacy. Sanchi Stupa was an outcome of one of these efforts of Asoka to preserve the relics of Buddha. The stupa was later enlarged and embellished with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Toranas – the decorative gateways of Sanchi Stupa

In the four directions of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, four lavishly carved Toranas (gateways) enhance its grandeur. The most impressive feature of the Sanchi Stupa is these marvelous gateways, known as Toranas, which showcase a blend of Indian, Persian, Greek, and Sumerian architecture. Crafted from single, highly polished granite stones, each Torana’s intricate carvings evoke the appearance of woodwork. Ivory carvers from Vidisha meticulously carved reliefs depicting various scenes from the life of Buddha. In the 19th century, Europeans were eager to take the well-preserved gateways to their countries’ museums. However, they were only permitted to take plaster copies of these remarkable structures.

Jatakas

The gateways of Sanchi Stupa, known as Toranas, resemble ancient Instagram walls. They feature a vast collection of illustrations depicting moral tales from the life of Buddha, called Jatakas. These stories, considered as teachings in Buddhism, portray Buddha’s journey to Nirvana after many lives. Throughout the reliefs, Buddha is never personified, even when playing the main role.

Story 1 (Miracle of Buddha walking on river):

In the illustration, a sage and his disciples attempt a rescue in a flooded river, depicted in the upper part. In the lower part, Buddha walks on the river to control the flood, while the sage and disciples pay homage to the Master.

Story 2 (Monkey offering honey to Buddha):

The illustration shows a monkey presenting honey to the Pipal Tree symbolizing Buddha. Another monkey, with empty hands, signifies that the honey bowl has already been offered as homage to the Master.

The Artistic Grandeur

The four torans (ceremonial gateways) of the Great Stupa, added in the 1st century BC, are the crowning achievements of Sanchi. Each gateway is made up of two square posts topped by capitals of sculptured animals or dwarfs. It also surmounted by three architraves, which end in spirals not unlike the rolled ends of scrolls.

The reliefs on these gateways are have carving deeply, so that the figures seem to swim against a sea of dark shadow cast by the strong Indian sun. The panels, which employ the device of continuous narration, are crowded, rich, and brimming with life.

Symbolic Representation

Interestingly, the Buddha appear throughout in symbolic form, by a wheel, an empty throne, or a pair of footprints. This is a characteristic feature of the Anionic School or Phase of early Indian Buddhist art.

The Yakshi Figures

Set in the angle between the pillar and the lowest crossbar of the gateways are magnificent figures of female yakshas (earthly spirits). One such figure, the Sanchi Yakshi Figure, is a sandstone statue of the Shalabhanjika Yakshi. It is one of the earliest Buddhist sculptures from the Indian subcontinent.

Conclusion

The Sanchi sculptures, with their intricate carvings and symbolic representations, offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistic traditions of early India. They stand as a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans of the time. Which continue to draw admirers from around the world. Carving techniques appear more advanced than Bharhut in Sanchi Sculptures. Symbols continue to be use representing the Buddha and the Manushi Buddhas or the past Buddhas. According to Buddhism, the main reasons for suffering are – hatred, greed and ignorance. End the suffering can be achieve by attaining nirvana – liberation from cycles of rebirth.

Read Also: Bharhut Sculpture