Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, India.<br /><br /> It is located in 46 kilometers (29 mi) north-east of Bhopal, capital of Madhya pradesh.<br /> <br /> The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India, and an important monument of Indian Architecture. <br /><br /> It was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. <br /><br /> It was crowned by the chhatri, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. <br /><br /> The original construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant of nearby Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding. <br /><br /> In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added. <br /><br />The Sanchi Stupa built during Mauryan period was made of bricks The composite flourished until the 11th century.<br /> <br />Sanchi stupa is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. <br />
