Context:
Bihar Chief Minister demands to place Kesariya Stupa on global tourism map
Kesariya Stupa:
- Located in – Bihar
- Architecture – Built in circular shape and structure is made of bricks, mud, and lime mortar.
- Built by – Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in 3rd Century BC
- Significance –
- It is believed that stupa was built to commemorate the spot where Lord Buddha gave his 22nd sermon and to mark the place where he announced his impending death.
- Tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world.
Stupa:
- Stupas were burial mounds prevalent in India from the Vedic period.
- In Buddhism, Stupas celebrates Buddha’s parinirvana (end of cycle of suffering), symbolizes his eternal body, and is an object of worship.
- Structure of Stupa –
- Anda – Semi-circular mound built on earth.
- Harmika – Square railing on top of the mound.
- Chhatra – Central pillar supporting a triple umbrella form
- Pradakshinapatha – Path for circumambulation surrounded by a fence built encircling the stupa.
- Torana – Gateways having sculptures depicting Jataka Tales
- Material Used – Core of the stupa was made of unburnt brick, with a burnt brick outer face covered in a thick coating of plaster.
Important Stupas:
| Stupas | Location |
| Sanchi Stupa, Bharhut Stupa | Madhya Pradesh |
| Piprahwa Stupa, Ramabhar Stupa | Uttar Pradesh |
| Amaravati Stupa | Andhra Pradesh |
| Bairat Stupa | Rajasthan |
- Stupas built after the death of Buddha – Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethapida, Pava and Kushinagara
Source: Telegraph India
Previous Year Question
With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The concept of Stupa is Vedic in origin.
