Sanchi

Sanchi is a small village in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, it is located 46 km north east of Bhopal, and 10 km from Besnagar and Vidisha in the central part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Known for its "Stupas", it is the location of several Buddhist monuments dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th CE and is one of the important places of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is a nagar panchayat in Raisen district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Toranas surround the Stupa and they each represent love, peace, trust, and courage.


The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. The construction work of this stupa was overseen was 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. In the 1st century BCE, four profusely carved ornamental gateways and a balustrade encircling the whole structure was added.

Today, around fifty monuments remain on the hill of Sanchi, including three stupas and several temples. The monuments have been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1989.

East Gate of Sanchi Stupa is on the stamp from 1st  Definitives Series issued in 1949.

You can see 'Great Stupa' on stamp issued in 2000 (9th Definitives Series).

On first photo from this post there is image of vintage card with Great Stupa (many thanks to Amit Rana for this beautiful card).

I also have one card with North Gateof Great Stupa (many thanks to Aman).

Text Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchi

You can read more about Sanchi
http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_sanchi.asp
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/524