Which among the following Stupa gateway depicts the pilgrimage to the Bodhi tree by Ashoka with his two queens?

Question

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Correct — B, Sanchi. Among the carved stone toranas (gateways) of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, one relief panel depicts Emperor Ashoka's pilgrimage to the Bodhi tree together with his two queens — part of the rich narrative carving of Jataka tales and scenes from Buddhist tradition added on the gateways.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Bharhut's own stupa railing and gateway are famous for narrative reliefs with early inscribed labels, but the Ashoka-with-two-queens Bodhi-tree scene is a Sanchi carving, not Bharhut's.  (c) A smaller stupa near Sanchi (part of the same Vidisha-area Buddhist complex, with its own relic caskets), but it lacks Sanchi's elaborately carved toranas.  (d) Another minor stupa site near Sanchi known for relic remains, not for this carved gateway scene.

Concept: The Great Stupa at Sanchi began as a brick mound built under Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine Buddhist relics. It was later encased in stone and enlarged, and its ornamental toranas (gateways) at the cardinal points — richly carved with Jataka tales and scenes from Buddhist tradition, including Ashoka's own patronage — were added still later by generations of sculptors.

State PCS 2022 Q94 — Madhya Pradesh GK PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2022 Q94 — Madhya Pradesh GK PYQ with Answer