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Chaukhandi Stupa - Art and Culture Notes

Chaukhandi Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. Stupas are Buddhist shrines that emerged from burial mounds. The Chaukhandi Stupa was built during the Gupta era (4th to 6th century) and is said to have been a tiered temple. The Archaeological Survey of India named the site a monument of national Importance in June 2019. This article will explain about the Chaukhandi Stupa which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Table of Contents

Chaukhandi Stupa
Features
Conclusion
FAQs
MCQs

Historical Background

Chaukhandi Stupa - Historical Background

The Chaukhandi Stupa was erected as a tiered temple during the Gupta dynasty, during the 4th and 6th centuries, to commemorate the meeting of Buddha and his first pupils while travelling from Bodhgaya to Sarnath.
Later, Govardhan, the son of a Raja Todar Mal, renovated the stupa to its current design by adding an octagonal tower to commemorate the arrival of Mughal ruler Humayun.
It was rebuilt by Akbar in 1589 AD to honour the visit of his father, Humayun.
A trek around the Chaukhandi Stupa and completion of the Kora is considered a great blessing.
The stupa is now a towering earthen mound topped by an octagonal tower and covered by a brickwork building.

Chaukhandi Stupa

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Features

Chaukhandi Stupa - Features

The Chaukhandi Stupa was created to commemorate the meeting of Buddha's first students, the Pancha Vargeeya Bhikkhus (Buddha's five companions), who had forsaken him at Rajgir on his way from Bodhgaya to Sarnath.
Due to its four-armed layout, the stupa was given the name Chaukhandi.
It's a tall brick mound with a square building ringed by an octagonal tower.
The stupa is an ancient Buddhist structure that grew out of burial mounds and served as a shrine for a Buddha relic.
It was built in the fifth century AD and looks to be in ruins.
It is also mentioned in the report of Hiuen Tsang, a famous Chinese explorer from the 7th century AD.
During the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th century), the Chaukhandi Stupa was built and supposed to have been a tiered temple.
The Chaukhandi Stupa was changed and remodelled by Govardhan, son of Todarmal's to its current shape.
To commemorate the arrival of Humayun, the great Mughal king, he erected an octagonal tower.
The existing building of the stupa is a towering earthen mound with brickwork that sits atop a terraced rectangular base with an octagonal Mughal tower above it.
Some Buddha images discovered during excavations at this Stupa, such as the image of Buddha in Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudra and other sculptures, are thought to be rare artefacts and classic examples of art from the Gupta period.

Buddha in Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudra

Conclusion

The Chaukhandi Stupa is the furthest away of all the Sarnath structures. If you're coming from Varanasi, it'll be the first thing you see on the left side. The stupa represents the location where Buddha was reunited with his five friends, the Pancha vargeeya bhikkhus, who had earlier forsaken him at Rajgir.

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FAQs

Question: What is the Chaukhandi Stupa?

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its unique structure and historical significance in Buddhist architecture. The stupa marks the site where Lord Buddha is said to have met his first disciples after attaining enlightenment.

Question: Why is the Chaukhandi Stupa important in Buddhist history?

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa is significant because it represents the place where Buddha first encountered his disciples after his enlightenment. It is also believed to be the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath. The stupa’s architectural design and the relics found inside offer insight into the early Buddhist art and culture.

Question: What architectural features are seen in the Chaukhandi Stupa?

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa features a square base, and it is unique in its tiered structure. It originally had a simple dome shape, which was later modified by the addition of a tower in the 15th century. The stupa is surrounded by decorative elements and inscriptions that reflect the influence of Gupta and later Indian architecture.

Question: What is the historical significance of the Chaukhandi Stupa?

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa holds historical significance as it is one of the oldest structures in Sarnath, marking a vital place in the history of Buddhism. It is part of the larger Sarnath archaeological site, which includes other Buddhist monuments such as the Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, making it a crucial location for Buddhist pilgrimage.

Question: Who built the Chaukhandi Stupa?

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa is believed to have been built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. However, the structure that stands today was modified and expanded by subsequent rulers, including those from the Gupta period.

MCQs

The Chaukhandi Stupa is located in which city?

A) New Delhi

B) Varanasi

C) Bodh Gaya

D) Agra

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The Chaukhandi Stupa is located in Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

What is the architectural feature of the Chaukhandi Stupa?

A) A circular dome with no tower

B) A square base with a tiered tower

C) A hemispherical shape with a spire

D) A pagoda-style structure

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The Chaukhandi Stupa is unique due to its square base and tiered structure, with a tower added during the 15th century.

What historical event is associated with the Chaukhandi Stupa?

A) Buddha's birth

B) Buddha's first sermon

C) Buddha's death

D) The rise of the Mauryan Empire

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

The Chaukhandi Stupa marks the spot where Buddha is said to have met his first disciples after attaining enlightenment and delivered his first sermon.

Who is believed to have built the Chaukhandi Stupa?

A) King Ashoka

B) Emperor Akbar

C) King Harsha

D) Raja Raja Chola

Answer: (A) See the Explanation

The Chaukhandi Stupa was initially built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

In which period was the tower of the Chaukhandi Stupa added?

A) Gupta Period

B) Mauryan Period

C) Mughal Period

D) 15th Century

Answer: (D) See the Explanation

The tower of the Chaukhandi Stupa was added in the 15th century, modifying the original structure.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Discuss the significance of the Chaukhandi Stupa in the context of Buddhist art and architecture.

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa holds a significant place in the study of Buddhist art and architecture, particularly due to its unique design and historical importance. Initially built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it reflects the early Mauryan architectural style, emphasizing simplicity and symmetry. The addition of a tower in the 15th century reflects later influences, blending traditional and medieval architectural styles. The stupa's square base and tiered structure set it apart from other Buddhist stupas, making it an important example of the evolution of stupa architecture over time. Its location in Sarnath, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site, further emphasizes its importance as a symbol of the early spread of Buddhism.

Q2. Analyze the role of the Chaukhandi Stupa in the history of Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa plays a crucial role in the history of Buddhist pilgrimage sites due to its association with the Buddha’s first encounter with his disciples after his enlightenment. Situated in Sarnath, one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the stupa marks an important historical and spiritual location. Pilgrims from around the world visit Sarnath to pay homage to the place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Chaukhandi Stupa serves as a reminder of that event. Its historical significance, along with its architectural and religious importance, makes it a key pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and an important site in the study of the spread of Buddhism across India and the world.

Q3. Evaluate the historical and cultural impact of the Chaukhandi Stupa on the development of Buddhism in India.

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa, built during the time of Emperor Ashoka and later modified, holds both historical and cultural significance in the development of Buddhism in India. It stands as a testament to the early Buddhist architecture under the Mauryan Empire and the continued patronage of Buddhism by later dynasties. As one of the first stupas to mark the spot where the Buddha met his disciples, it holds deep religious significance. Over time, the stupa became a center of pilgrimage and helped establish Sarnath as a prominent Buddhist site. Its architectural style influenced later Buddhist monuments, contributing to the spread of Buddhism across India. The stupa’s enduring presence underscores the cultural and spiritual legacy of Buddhism in India.

Previous Year Questions on Chaukhandi Stupa

1. UPSC CSE 2023

Question: "Analyze the significance of the Chaukhandi Stupa as a symbol of early Buddhist architecture and its role in the development of Buddhist culture."

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa symbolizes early Buddhist architecture with its simple yet meaningful structure. It marks an important historical event—the Buddha's first meeting with his disciples. The stupa’s architectural elements, particularly the tiered tower added later, highlight the evolution of Buddhist architectural styles. It became a central element in the development of Buddhist culture in India, drawing pilgrims and fostering cultural exchange.

2. UPSC CSE 2022

Question: "Discuss the architectural evolution of the Chaukhandi Stupa and its role in the spread of Buddhism."

Answer: The Chaukhandi Stupa evolved from a simple structure built by Emperor Ashoka to a more elaborate monument in the 15th century. The addition of a tower reflects changes in architectural style over time, blending the earlier Buddhist designs with later influences. The stupa’s role in the spread of Buddhism is significant as it became a major pilgrimage site, symbolizing the importance of Sarnath in the Buddhist world. It played a key role in the cultural exchange and propagation of Buddhist teachings.

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