Sanchi

Title: Sanchi

Author: M K Dhavalikar

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2005 (First published 2003)

ISBN: 9780195675900

Pages: 122

India’s national emblem is Emperor Ashoka’s lion-capital found during excavations at Sarnath and Sanchi. It took no time for the new Indian republic to adopt it and his Wheel of Law (dharmachakra) as two of the most sublime symbols of the might of the new state-in-the-making. Sanchi is in Madhya Pradesh and is graced with the remains of a great Stupa built in the third century BCE in the time of Ashoka himself. The emperor served Vidisha region as its provincial governor earlier in his career. He had married the daughter of a local banker and had had three children with her. Even though Sanchi is thus well-connected with Buddhist royalty, it was not at all linked to any event in Buddha’s life. The book by Oxford India is part of the ‘Monumental Legacy’ series. This describes the stupas and artefacts at Sanchi and is a must-have for anyone planning a visit there. Madhukar Keshav Dhavalikar was an Indian historian and archeologist. He served the Archeological Survey of India as a Technical Assistant at first and then taught at various colleges in Maharashtra. He has received numerous honours from various organizations and is the author of many books on the subject.

Dhavalikar finds fault with the accepted belief among historians that the Sunga dynasty, which followed the Mauryas, persecuted Buddhists. It is thought that one of the kings cut down the Bodhi tree at Gaya as a mark of disrespect. However, the author is skeptical on this count. The Sunga dynasty shifted its capital from Pataliputra to Central India, bringing the region into historical attention. Ashoka built the original stupa, the Sungas encased it in stone, and the Satavahanas built the arched gateways which is the most profound and beautiful monument at Sanchi. The Great Stupa was built during the reign of Satakarni II of the Satavahana dynasty. The period of use extends from the second century BCE to twelfth century CE. The stupas and the adjoining temples and monasteries had long ago passed into oblivion. It was rediscovered only in 1818 by British archeologists. Contrary to popular impression that the British scholars usually took utmost care in handling archeological finds, much devastation was wrought on Stupa 2 by the curiosity of the researchers in opening its relic chamber. The place has undergone a significant transformation from the ancient town which was known as Kakanava.

The arched gateways are most intricately carved with stories from Buddha’s life and the Jatakas. The architraves and vertical pillars are treasure troves of the finest specimens of engraving art practiced anywhere in India. The meticulous care and immense skill with which these sculptures are commissioned greatly impress the visitor. Inscriptions indicate that ivory carvers have also tried their hand in the establishment of the gateways. The book presents many photographs, structural plans and detailed descriptions of the gateways. It also lists out several anecdotes from Buddhist legends. The Stupa was administered by the Hinayana sect of Buddhism which does not portray the Buddha in human form. Subsequently, He is represented by an empty throne, the Bodhi tree, footsteps or a caparisoned horse without a rider. The Stupa 2 at Sanchi contains the relics of Sariputta and Maha Moggalana, two of the great disciples of the Enlightened One.

A lot of information is imparted to the reader in this book. However, the description of the gateways is not properly synchronized with the images. All photographs are monochrome and are not exactly very great. The major part of the book is reserved for fine nuanced narration of the parts of the gateways and not all of them are accompanied by illustrations. A decent map of the place is a notable absence. This makes terms such as Stupa 12, Temple 40, Monastery 46 and such numerically denoted structures difficult to locate. The book includes an excellent glossary and a good index.

The book is highly recommended.

Rating: 3 Star