Stupa Chronology: Key Dating Insights

To arrange the Buddhist stupas chronologically, we need to consider the approximate periods of their primary construction or significance.

• Sanchi Stupa (c): The earliest major phase, including the Great Stupa, dates back to Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
• Amravati Stupa (a): Significant construction and sculptural activity occurred primarily between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE.
• Sarnath Stupa (b): The well-known Dhamek Stupa is largely attributed to the Gupta period, around the 5th century CE.
• Nalanda Stupa (d): Nalanda's development as a major monastic and learning centre, including its stupas, peaked from the 5th century CE onwards.

Determining the Correct Chronological Order

Based on the established timelines:

1. Sanchi (3rd century BCE)
2. Amravati (c. 2nd century BCE - 3rd century CE)
3. Sarnath (c. 5th century CE)
4. Nalanda (c. 5th century CE onwards)

This sequence corresponds to the order (c), (a), (b), (d).