Chapter 4 Stupas| Class 12 History Notes

Early Buddhist religious architecture is distinguished by three types of structures: monasteries (viharas), places to worship relics (stupas), and shrines or prayer halls (chaityas, also known as chaitya Griha’s), which were later referred to as temples in some areas.

Let us learn more about stupas from chapter 4 of Class 12 History!

Stupas

Buddhist ideas and practices have evolved through dialogue with various traditions, including those of the Brahmanas and Jainas, among others. These interactions, which often involved sacred places, have left traces in historical records.

Since ancient times, certain locations have been revered as sacred, often due to their natural features such as unique trees, rocks, or breathtaking scenery. These places were sometimes associated with small shrines referred to as chaityas. Buddhist texts mention several such chaityas, and some places associated with them may have derived their significance from funeral pyres or funerary mounds.

For example, Buddhist literature highlights significant locations in the life of the Buddha, such as his birthplace (Lumbini), the site of his enlightenment (Bodh Gaya), where he delivered his first sermon (Sarnath), and where he attained nirvana (Kusinagara). Over time, each of these places gained sacred status. About two centuries after the Buddha’s time, Emperor Asoka installed a pillar at Lumbini to commemorate his visit to the site.

Why were Stupas built?

Other sacred sites were revered because they housed relics of the Buddha, such as his bodily remains or items he used. These sites were marked by mounds called stupas. While the tradition of constructing stupas may have existed before Buddhism, they became closely associated with the religion. Stupas, containing these revered relics, became symbols of both the Buddha and Buddhism, and were venerated accordingly.

According to the Ashokavadana, a Buddhist text, Emperor Asoka distributed portions of the Buddha’s relics to important towns and commissioned the construction of stupas over them. By the second century BCE, several stupas, including those at Bharhut, Sanchi, and Sarnath, had been constructed.

How were Stupas Built?

Inscriptions inscribed on the railings and pillars of stupas document contributions made towards their construction and embellishment. These donations originated from various sources, including kings like the Satavahanas and guilds such as the ivory workers’ guild, which financed a portion of a gateway at Sanchi.

Numerous donations were also provided by both men and women, who often included their names, places of origin, occupations, and sometimes the names of their relatives. Additionally, contributions from Buddhist monks and nuns (bhikkhus and bhikkhunis) were also noted, underscoring the collective effort involved in building these monuments.

The Structure of Stupas

Stupas, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “heap,” originated as simple semi-circular mounds of earth, initially referred to as anda. Over time, they evolved into more intricate structures, incorporating a balance of round and square shapes. Atop the anda was the harmika, resembling a balcony and symbolizing the dwelling place of the gods.

The purpose of building stupas is elucidated in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, where the Buddha instructed his disciples to construct stupas at the four crossroads in honor of him. Those who adorned these stupas with garlands, perfumes, salutations, or attained tranquility in their presence would experience lasting benefits and joy.

Rising from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often crowned with a chhatri or umbrella. Surrounding the mound was a railing, delineating the sacred space from the secular world.

Early stupas, such as those at Sanchi and Bharhut, were relatively plain, aside from elaborately carved stone railings resembling bamboo or wooden fences and intricately carved gateways placed at the four cardinal points. Devotees entered through the eastern gateway and circumambulated the mound clockwise, following the sun’s path. Subsequently, stupas became more ornate, with elaborately carved niches and sculptures adorning the mound, as seen at Amaravati and Shahji-ki-Dheri in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 4 Stupas- FAQs

What is the significance of stupa in Buddhism?

Due to the fact that they housed holy relics, the complete stupa became a symbol of both the Buddha and the Buddhist cult. It was argued to symbolize ‘parinirvana’ of Buddha, that is, salvation from the cycle of rebirth.

Why are Buddhist stupas said to be “stories in stone”?

Each Buddhist stupa has a history of its own. The sculptures in the stupas depicted different stories which were taken from different texts at that time.

What is the symbol of the stupa?

The first and most fundamental of Buddhist architectural monuments, the Buddhist stupa (aka dagoba, chorten, pagoda) serves as a marker for a sacred space, a symbolic representation of the Buddha’s burial mound.

What are the 5 elements of stupa?

A stupa incorporates five basic geometric shapes corresponding to the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space – out of which the world and all the atoms within it are composed. Furthermore, the overall shape of a stupa bears a close resemblance to the image of a seated Buddha.

What are the two main features of stupa?

Stupas— They are solid semicircular dome-shaped Buddhist structures which were made of stone and bricks They have some relics of Buddha at their base 2. Monolithic— pillars. Mautryas built many Monolithic pillars inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka.