Gateway of the Buddhist Top at Sanchi

1862

Painting of the Gateway of the Buddhist Stupa, at Sanchi, near Bilsah (modern day Vidisha), India. This view shows one of four sandstone toranas or stone gateways, in a state of disrepair. The columns and architraves of the gateway depict scenes from the Jataka, stories of Buddha’s former life. The carvings also include Buddhist iconography, such as the dharmachakra, triratnas, various yakshas and yakshis and other animal, plant and floral motifs. The stupa in the background is covered in vegetation. In the foreground, architectural fragments, sculptures, and rubble from the site are strewn around. An acetic, clad in an orange dhoti, with a brass pot, stands in front of the torana.