What was the significance of stupa and how did stupa architecture develop Upsc?

What was the significance of stupa and how did stupa architecture develop Upsc?

A Stupa is a dome-shaped sacred burial mound of brick which was used to house Buddha’s relics or to commemorate significant facts and events related to Buddhism. The earliest archaeological evidence for the presence of Buddhist stupas dates back to the late 4th century BCE.

What is stupa in history?

A stūpa (Sanskrit: स्तूप, lit. ‘heap’) is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics (such as śarīra – typically the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns) that is used as a place of meditation. A related architectural term is a chaitya, which is a prayer hall or temple containing a stupa.

Why is stupa famous?

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India, and an important monument of Indian Architecture. 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.

How were stupa built?

After the decision was taken, quality stone had to be found, quarried and transported to the place which was often carefully chosen for the new building. Then these rough blocks of stone had to be shaped and carved into pillars and panels for walls, floors and ceilings.

How can we see that there are stories in stone in the Stupa of Sanchi?

The Buddhist stupas are said to be stories in stone. This is because many story scenes from Buddhist texts have been depicted on the stupas. On the Sanchi stupa, art historians have identified some scenes which are based on stories in Vessantara Jataka.

What was the Buddhist Sangha explain its features?

Sangha, Buddhist monastic order, traditionally composed of four groups: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. The sangha is a part—together with the Buddha and the dharma (teaching)—of the Threefold Refuge, a basic creed of Buddhism.

What are the two meanings of the Sangha?

The Sangha is the Buddhist community; it is the men, women and children who follow the teachings of the Buddha. The term, which in Sanskrit and Pāli means “collection” or “assemblage,” a group of people living together for a certain purpose, has come to have two different referents.