Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is popular for the architectural importance of which style?

The correct answer is Buddhist architecture.

Key Points

• Sanchi, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its Buddhist stupas which are significant examples of Buddhist architecture.
• The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical importance in Buddhist history and architecture.
• Sanchi's stupas feature toranas (ornamental gateways) and balustrades with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.
• The architecture at Sanchi represents the early development of Buddhist art and architecture in India.

Additional Information

• Stupa
  • A stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics, typically the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns, used as a place of meditation.
  • The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the earliest and most important stupas in India.
• Emperor Ashoka
  • Ashoka the Great was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from circa 268 to 232 BCE.
  • He played a critical role in the spread of Buddhism after his conversion following the Kalinga War.
• Torana
  • A torana is a type of gateway seen in the Hindu and Buddhist architecture of the Indian subcontinent.
  • The toranas at Sanchi are exquisitely carved and depict various events from Buddha's life.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
  • Sanchi was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1989 due to its historical significance.