Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh 1st Century BC to 12th Century AD

Sanchi is a small village located 46 kms north east of Bhopal, and 10 kms from Besnagar and Vidisha in the central part of the State of Madhya Pradesh. It is the location of several Buddhist monuments, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. The ‘Great Stupa’ at Sanchi was originally commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BC. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the Chhatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics.The construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka's wife, Devi herself, who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding. A British officer in 1818, General Taylor, was the first known Western historian to document (in English) the existence of Sanchi (Sāñcī).  Four profusely carved toranas or ornamental gateways and a balustrade encircling the whole structure was added around the transition from BCE to CE eras by Satvahana Dynesty. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on January 24, 1989 for its unique cultural importance.

N.B.
(1) The date shown is not the actual date of issue of Heritage cards. The date shown is the 1st January of the year which is printed and shown on the packet. This date is shown because the Software  programme  needs some date for filter.
(2) These cards are issued by Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India