The ancient religious site of Bharhut Stupa can be found today within Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka established the original structure of Bharhut during the 3rd century BCE before the Shunga-period renovation took place.
Bharhut fails to capture the public interest which would match its profound archaeological value unlike Sanchi and Bodh Gaya. British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham performed documentation of the stupa during the 19th century when he made its discovery. Most artifacts and railing sculptures from Bharhut are presently displayed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
Cunning carvings of Jataka tales and Buddhist symbols along with Brahmi script inscriptions decorate the railings and gateways of the stupa. The carved figurines help people understand both ancient Buddhist beliefs and the routine activities of the citizens from this historical period.
The monumental structure at Bharhut transcends being an ordinary structure because it narrates the artistic evolution and spiritual movements of ancient India through its silent speech.
Future articles will study the carvings at Bharhut as well as investigate its architectural details and archaeological discoveries alongside its social background.
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