Sanchi stupa in Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest standing structure in India (dated 2nd century B.C.E). It was first built by king Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty. Later other dynasties such as the Sunga, Satwahana, and Malwa kings etc continued to protect and expand the Sanchi Stupa. It is believed that Buddha relics are stored inside the stupa. Hence, it is one of the most revered Buddhist monument in the world.
Ashoka's wife was from Vidhesha- a town adjacent to Sanchi. Ashoka himself is believed to have been a Governor of Vidhesha, before he became a great emperor. Ashoka chose Sanchi to build the stupa as he found Sanchi to be a peaceful, quiet place, away from the hum drum of city life of Vidhesha. These days, Sanchi is a bustling city with train whistles, temple and mosque announcements/songs on the loud speaker, people shouting while playing cricket in the near by parks, disturbing the peace and quiet of the stupa. The location of the stupa is still very beautiful, with rolling hills and greenery around it as far as eye can see.
The most beautiful part of the Sanchi Stupa are its torana (gateways). These torana were made by the Sunga kings (1st century B.C.E) who are otherwise also known for giving India the most beautiful sculptures. The women sculptures are damn beautiful and attractive! I think, if it were not for the beautiful women sculptures, the beauty of the torana would not have been what it is with them. The design of the gateway is very unique and beautiful i.e., parallel beams on top which extend artistically beyond the gateway. The Sanchi Stupa is a must see for those who want to understand India and also for those who appreciate art.
khajuraho temples are located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Khajuraho is a village where these temples were discovered in the midst of jungle, about 250 years ago. It is stated that at the time of their discovery, the temples were known to few, mostly people of nearby villages. Vines, cree
pers were found growing inside and over the temple walls. The Chandela kings built them in 9th and 10th century C.E. One unusual feature about these beautiful temples is the erotic art that decorates it. As per ancient hindu belief system, gods and goddesses have similar day to day concerns in their lives as ordinary human beings i.e., family life, wars, enemies, prayers etc. Through numerous temple sculptures such ordinary activities that sustain life can be seen. It was common practice (dating as far back as 2nd century B.C.E) to show gods and goddesses as intimate couples (i.e., shiva and Parvati, Lakshmi and Narayan etc). The intimacy was a reflection of the acts of ordinary human beings of the society. At Khajuraho, the extent of sexual intimacy is somewhat further than previously shown in the hindu temples, but nevertheless, it still resonates as true reflection of societal practices, which are depicted quite openly in a public space i.e., a temple wall. The Chandela kings were true pioneers, for they unhesitantly have shown sexual intimacy, some of it perhaps taboo and unconventional, on temple walls in a way that had not been done before. However, the idea of showing hindu gods and goddesses in intimate positions is an older concept, on which which the Chandela kings built the Khajuraho temples. These temples are very beautiful even today.
As kings, it was their future to provide means of wealth to their society. Through their unique way of decorating Khajuraho temples, the Chandela kings even today, continue to attract wealth for Khajuraho residents through tourists who come here not only from India but far away countries as well.
