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What type of building is this, and what is its function?  Answer in no more than 2 sentences.

Art history btw

**Title: Understanding the Sanchi Stupa** The image showcases the Great Stupa at Sanchi, a renowned monument of ancient Indian architecture and one of the oldest stone structures in India. This stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and is an important Buddhist architectural structure attributed to the Mauryan Empire, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. **Key Features Explained:** 1. **Stupa Design:** - The stupa has a large hemispherical dome known as the anda, which is a typical feature of stupas symbolizing the universe. - Surrounding the dome is a walking path or ambulatory pathway, called the pradakshina patha, used for circumambulation. 2. **Toranas (Gateways):** - The structure includes intricately carved toranas at its four cardinal points. These gateways illustrate scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales along with intricate carvings of elephants, lions, and other animals which symbolize protection and power. 3. **Harmika:** - At the top of the dome, you can see a small enclosure called the harmika, which represents the abode of the gods. 4. **Chatra:** - The harmika is crowned with a central pillar supporting a triple umbrella structure called the chatra, symbolizing the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Sanchi Stupa is not only an important pilgrimage site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for its beautiful and detailed carvings and historical significance in the spread of Buddhism across India.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding the Sanchi Stupa** The image showcases the Great Stupa at Sanchi, a renowned monument of ancient Indian architecture and one of the oldest stone structures in India. This stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and is an important Buddhist architectural structure attributed to the Mauryan Empire, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. **Key Features Explained:** 1. **Stupa Design:** - The stupa has a large hemispherical dome known as the anda, which is a typical feature of stupas symbolizing the universe. - Surrounding the dome is a walking path or ambulatory pathway, called the pradakshina patha, used for circumambulation. 2. **Toranas (Gateways):** - The structure includes intricately carved toranas at its four cardinal points. These gateways illustrate scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales along with intricate carvings of elephants, lions, and other animals which symbolize protection and power. 3. **Harmika:** - At the top of the dome, you can see a small enclosure called the harmika, which represents the abode of the gods. 4. **Chatra:** - The harmika is crowned with a central pillar supporting a triple umbrella structure called the chatra, symbolizing the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Sanchi Stupa is not only an important pilgrimage site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for its beautiful and detailed carvings and historical significance in the spread of Buddhism across India.
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