The Architectural Legacies of India's Heartland

Among the notable sights of Madhya Pradesh is the Buddhist pilgrimage of Sanchi – a serene hill dotted with stupas, monastaries and pillar gateways, the oldest dating back to the 3rd century BC. Sanchi was lost to the world till a British Officer, General Taylor rediscovered it in 1818.The Great Stupa is 36.5 metres in diameter and 16.4 mtrs high, The massive hemispherical dome is bounded by four elaborate gateways or Toranas.

The Southern Gateway depicts the birth of Prince Gautam; the Northern gateway illustrates the miracles associated with the Buddha; the Eastern gateway shows Gautam renouncing wordly life. The Western gateway portrays the seven incarnations of the Buddha. These gateways are carved in yellow stone from the nearby Udaygiri Hill and are the finest specimens of Buddhist art.

Not far from Sanchi are Rewa and Mandu, legendary places linked with historical romance and intrigue. Alongside the natural beauty of Rewa are the numerous monuments of Mandu – Hoshang Shah’s mausoleum, the Delhi Gate, the Jami Masjid, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, the Jahaz Mahal and the Hindola Mahal and several others. Mandu was ruled by several dynasties each leaving behind a legacy of splendid monuments.