Sanchi Stupa No. 2

Sanchi Stupa No. 2, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, is one of the oldest Buddhist stupas, renowned for its early decorative reliefs that predate those at the Mahabodhi Temple and Bharhut. Founded during the Mauryan Empire, it contains relics of significant Buddhist figures and is considered the birthplace of Jataka illustrations. The stupa features the earliest known Indian stone reliefs, including representations of the Buddha's previous lives, and showcases a blend of local and Hellenistic artistic influences. Visitors can explore its intricate carvings and inscriptions, which reflect the evolution of Buddhist art and the historical interactions between different cultures in ancient India.