Question

Which one of the following has yielded the earliest Stupa railing?
A. Sanchi
B. Bharhut
C. Amaravati
D. Nagarjunakonda

Answer 1

Hint: Stupas are an important part of Buddhist literature known for the preservation of a certain relic of Gautam Buddha himself or other prominent Buddhist monks. The Stupa architecture comprises a mound kind of structure surrounded by a railing and an entrance to the same.

Complete answer: Mauryan rulers, most notably Ashoka, provided patronage to the Buddhist. This resulted in construction of various stupas and practice of embellishment of them. This was done through either elevation or inscribing various scenes from Buddha’s life or Jatakas on Stupa wall.

-The option A, Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by the Mauryan ruler Ashoka himself around 300 BCE. This therefore remains one of the earliest surviving examples of Indian architecture. Sanchi consists of several stupas but the great stupa remains the majestic one incorporating the elements as a chhatraveli (umbrella) on top and a wooden railing. Further, around 100 BCE it was enlarged by the Shunga rulers along with ornamentation with balustrades and sculptures.
-The option B, Bharhut Stupa is another of the earliest stupas commissioned through donations notably of a Shunga feudatory, Vatsiputra Danabhuti. It is estimated to be constructed around 100 BCE–100 CE. The monument remains quite similar to Sanchi stupa in style. The structure shows indigenous and Hellenistic influences, with very well refined designs both on walls and railings.
-The option C, Amaravati Stupa was built around 250 BCE according to the adjoining inscriptions but fails to attribute it to Ashoka or any other ruler. The stupa had a railing constructed around 50 BCE but it consisted only of plain pillars and bars. It was only with its reconstruction in 1 CE that led to ornamentation with coming up of different sculptures. This site remained active for centuries, with constant reworks and additions made till the 12th century.
-The option D, Nagarjunakonda Stupa took its name from famous Buddhist scholar Ngarajuna who also played a considerable part in developing the concept of Mahayana Buddhism. It was constructed somewhat around 150 CE contemporary to him and later reconstructed by Ikshvaku rulers in 3rd c. This structure features stone pillars and wooden railings surrounding it.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Note: Buddhist architecture consists of two other important constructions, namely Chaitya Griha meaning prayer hall and Vihara meaning monasteries. Chaitya Griha a Stupa along with a shrine for prayer. Viharas refers to the earliest of Buddhist monasteries which consisted of large open courts surrounded with open rooms. Often these had temple compounds attached as well. Many remarkable examples of both are present at Ajanta-Ellora or Kanheri caves.