One of the prominent Buddhist structures in India, ________ Stupa at Sarnath was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka.
Dhamekh
Understanding Ancient Indian Buddhist Structures
The question asks to identify a prominent Buddhist structure in India, specifically a Stupa located at Sarnath, which was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka. Sarnath is a significant site in Buddhist history as it is where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
Analyzing the Options for the Sarnath Stupa
Let's examine the provided options:
- Dhauli: Dhauli is located in Odisha and is known for Ashokan rock edicts, not a prominent stupa built by Ashoka at Sarnath.
- Dhamekh: The Dhamekh Stupa is indeed located at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, and is a significant Buddhist structure believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, later rebuilt and enlarged. It marks the spot where the Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon.
- Bharhut: Bharhut is a site in Madhya Pradesh famous for its stupa, but the Bharhut Stupa and its gateways are generally attributed to the Shunga period, not Ashoka or Sarnath.
- Lalitgiri: Lalitgiri is part of the "Diamond Triangle" of Buddhist sites in Odisha (along with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri). While it has important stupas and monasteries, it is not the prominent stupa in Sarnath built by Ashoka.
Based on historical and archaeological evidence, the Dhamekh Stupa fits the description of a prominent Buddhist structure at Sarnath constructed by Emperor Ashoka.
The Significance of Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
The Dhamekh Stupa is a massive stone and brick structure. It is cylindrical and stands about 43.6 meters high with a diameter of 28 meters. Its construction is significant because it is associated with Ashoka, who played a crucial role in promoting Buddhism across his vast empire. The presence of Ashokan pillars with edicts at Sarnath further underscores the connection of Ashoka to this important Buddhist site. The Dhamekh Stupa represents the Dharmachakra Pravartana, the turning of the Wheel of Dharma, Buddha's first teaching.
| Stupa/Site | Location | Associated Period/Builder | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhamekh Stupa | Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh | Ashoka (Mauryan), later additions | Marks site of Buddha's first sermon |
| Dhauli | Odisha | Ashoka (Mauryan) | Rock Edicts |
| Bharhut Stupa | Madhya Pradesh | Shunga period | Stupa and gateways known for carvings |
| Lalitgiri | Odisha | Various periods (Brahminical, Buddhist) | Buddhist complex (stupas, monasteries, sculptures) |
Therefore, the correct answer is the Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath.
Revision Table: Important Buddhist Sites
| Site | Location | Key Structures | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarnath | Uttar Pradesh | Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Mulagandhakuti Vihara | First Sermon of Buddha (Dharmachakra Pravartana) |
| Bodh Gaya | Bihar | Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree | Site of Buddha's enlightenment |
| Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | Great Stupa (Stupa 1), Ashoka Pillar | Major centre of Buddhist art and architecture from Mauryan period onwards |
| Kushinagar | Uttar Pradesh | Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa | Site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (death) |
Additional Information on Ashoka and Buddhist Stupas
Emperor Ashoka (reigned c. 268 to 232 BCE) is renowned for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread the religion throughout his vast Mauryan Empire and beyond. He is credited with building numerous stupas and pillars across India, many inscribed with his edicts promoting Dharma. Stupas are dome-shaped structures used as a reliquary or commemorative monument associated with Buddhism. Initially, they were simple mounds but evolved into complex architectural forms under Ashoka and later dynasties. The Dhamekh Stupa is a testament to Ashoka's architectural patronage and the importance of Sarnath in the Buddhist world.
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