four lions standing back to back, has been endorsed as the national emblem of India.

Sanchi embraced Buddhism, which replaced the pre dominant Hinduism. But, in due course of time, slowly both the Stupas and the place were abandoned. It was during 1818, when Sanchi was refound and gradually historical and the religious importance of the place was recognized. Restoration work of the Stupas started in 1881 and finally between 1912 and 1919 these were attentively reformed and restored. It was accepted that the structure at Sanchi were the most organised construction which went into the engineering of temples in the medieval era. The carvings of the place are done with the correctness of Jewellers.

The Stupa
Even after the reformation and restoration, Sanchi continues to evoke and attract people from all over. Sanchi is primarily a place of Stupas and pillars but the magnificent entrance ways add beauty to the place. The finest specimens of early classical art, the gateways are delicately carved and bears images from the life of Lord Buddha or King Ashoka. The images carved on the pillars and the Stupas tell motivating stories from the life of Buddha.

Connectivity
» By Air : Nearest airport is at Bhopal (46 Km via Diwanganj and 78 Km via Raisen) which is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior and Indore.

» By Road : Sanchi lies on the Jhansi-Itarsi section of the Central Railways. However, the most convenient railhead is Vidisha (10 km).

» By Road : Good, motorable road connect Sanchi with Bhopal, Indore, Sagar, Gwalior, Vidisha and Raisen, besides other places.