If you are a lover of art, history, and culture, you will be amazed by the Bharhut Stupa, one of the oldest and most exquisite examples of Buddhist art in India. The Bharhut Stupa is a circular mound of bricks that was once surrounded by a magnificent stone railing and four gateways, adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha. The Bharhut Stupa is a treasure trove of information and inspiration for anyone interested in Buddhism and Indian art.
In this article, you will learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Bharhut Stupa, its architectural and artistic features, its comparison and contrast with other stupas, and its influence and legacy on later Buddhist art and architecture. You will also find out how to plan your visit to this ancient wonder, and what to expect and enjoy during your trip.
What is a Stupa and How Did It Evolve in India and Beyond?
A stupa is a hemispherical or dome-shaped structure that contains relics of the Buddha or other Buddhist saints. It is a symbol of the Buddha’s enlightenment and a place of worship and meditation for Buddhists. The word stupa comes from the Sanskrit word “stup”, meaning “to heap up” or “to pile up”. The stupa form originated in India, where it was influenced by the pre-Buddhist burial mounds and funerary monuments of the Indus Valley Civilization and other cultures. The earliest stupas were simple mounds of earth or stone that marked the places where the Buddha’s ashes were distributed after his cremation. Later, stupas became more elaborate and ornate, with stone or brick walls, railings, gateways, umbrellas, and spires. The stupa form also spread to other regions, such as Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet, where it adapted to different climates, cultures, and styles.
Some of the most famous and beautiful stupas in India and beyond are:
Sanchi Stupa: Located in Madhya Pradesh, India, this is the oldest and largest stupa in India, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. It was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, a great patron of Buddhism, and expanded and embellished over the centuries. It has four gateways, each with elaborate carvings and reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.
Amaravati Stupa: Located in Andhra Pradesh, India, this was one of the most magnificent stupas in India, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. It was also commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, and had a circular base, a dome, a harmika, a spire, and a railing. It was decorated with marble slabs carved with scenes from the Buddha’s life and teachings, as well as floral and geometric motifs. It was destroyed by invaders and neglect, and only fragments of its sculptures survive in museums.
Borobudur Stupa: Located in Java, Indonesia, this is the largest and most impressive stupa in the world, dating back to the 9th century CE. It was built by the Sailendra dynasty, and has a square base, nine terraces, a central dome, and 72 smaller stupas. It is covered with over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, depicting the Buddha’s life, teachings, and cosmology. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage and tourist destination.
Who Built the Bharhut Stupa and Why?
The Bharhut Stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh, India, near the city of Satna. It was built in the 2nd century BCE, during the reign of the Sunga dynasty, which ruled over central and northern India after the Mauryan empire. The Bharhut Stupa was commissioned by King Dhanabhuti, who was a devout Buddhist and a generous donor. He also invited other lay people, monks, and nuns to contribute to the construction and decoration of the stupa. The names and donations of the patrons are inscribed on the stones and pillars of the stupa, along with their wishes and blessings. Some of the donors include:
Anathapindika: A wealthy merchant and a famous disciple of the Buddha, who donated the eastern gateway of the stupa. He is known for his generosity and charity, and for building the Jetavana monastery for the Buddha and his followers.
Vishakha: A wealthy woman and a famous disciple of the Buddha, who donated the southern gateway of the stupa. She is known for her wisdom and devotion, and for being the first female lay follower of the Buddha.
Bhadda: A nun and a former queen, who donated the northern gateway of the stupa. She is known for her renunciation and enlightenment, and for being one of the foremost female disciples of the Buddha.
Uttara: A monk and a former prince, who donated the western gateway of the stupa. He is known for his courage and compassion, and for being one of the chief male disciples of the Buddha.
The motivation and purpose of building and donating the Bharhut Stupa was to honor and worship the Buddha and his teachings, to express gratitude and faith, to accumulate merit and blessings, and to spread the message and benefits of Buddhism to others. The Bharhut Stupa was a sacred and splendid monument that attracted pilgrims and visitors from far and wide, and inspired awe and admiration. It was also a source of education and entertainment, as it depicted the stories and teachings of the Buddha in a vivid and captivating way.
How Does the Bharhut Stupa Represent the Buddha and His Teachings?
The Bharhut Stupa belongs to the aniconic phase of Buddhist art, which means that the Buddha is not represented in human form, but by symbols and signs. This is because the early Buddhists believed that the Buddha was beyond any physical or conceptual representation, and that his presence and power could be felt and experienced through his relics and teachings. Some of the symbols and signs that represent the Buddha and his teachings in the Bharhut Stupa are:
The Stupa Itself: The stupa itself is a symbol of the Buddha’s body, mind, and enlightenment. The dome represents his head, the harmika represents his eyes, the spire represents his crown, and the umbrella represents his protection. The stupa also represents his mind, as it contains his relics and his teachings. The stupa also represents his enlightenment, as it symbolizes the cosmic mountain, the axis mundi, and the center of the universe.
The Wheel: The wheel is a symbol of the Buddha’s teachings, also known as the Dharma. The wheel has eight spokes, which represent the eightfold path, the core teachings of Buddhism that lead to liberation from suffering. The wheel also represents the cycle of rebirth, also known as samsara, which the Buddha transcended and taught others to overcome. The wheel is often seen on the gateways and pillars of the stupa, as well as on the hands and feet of the Buddha.
The Lotus: The lotus is a symbol of the Buddha’s purity, wisdom, and compassion. The lotus grows in muddy water, but rises above it and blooms into a beautiful flower. The lotus also represents the potential of every being to attain enlightenment, regardless of their circumstances. The lotus is often seen on the railings and sculptures of the stupa, as well as on the throne and pedestal of the Buddha.
The Tree: The tree is a symbol of the Buddha’s enlightenment, also known as nirvana. The tree refers to the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment after meditating for 49 days. The tree also represents the growth and development of the Buddha and his followers, as well as the nourishment and shelter they provide to others. The tree is often seen on the gateways and reliefs of the stupa, as well as on the halo and canopy of the Buddha.
What Stories and Figures Are Depicted in the Bharhut Stupa Reliefs?
The Bharhut Stupa is famous for its rich and elaborate reliefs, which cover the railing and the gateways of the stupa. The reliefs depict various stories and figures from the Buddha’s life and teachings, as well as from the Indian mythology and culture. The reliefs are carved in a high and low relief technique, which creates a sense of depth and movement. The reliefs are also painted in bright colors, which add to their beauty and charm. Some of the stories and figures that are depicted in the Bharhut Stupa reliefs are:
Jataka Tales: The Jataka tales are stories of the Buddha’s previous lives, before he became the Buddha. They illustrate the virtues and values that the Buddha cultivated and practiced, such as generosity, morality, patience, wisdom, and compassion. They also teach moral lessons and ethical principles to the listeners and viewers. The Bharhut Stupa reliefs depict many Jataka tales, such as the Sibi Jataka, the Vessantara Jataka, the Chaddanta Jataka, and the Vidhura Jataka. Each Jataka tale is identified by a label and a symbol, such as an animal, a plant Events from the Life of the Buddha: The events from the life of the Buddha are episodes that illustrate the major milestones and achievements of the Buddha, from his birth to his death. They also demonstrate the miracles and wonders that the Buddha performed and witnessed, as well as the challenges and obstacles that he faced and overcame. The Bharhut Stupa reliefs depict many events from the life of the Buddha, such as his birth in Lumbini, his renunciation of the worldly life, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, his first sermon in Sarnath, his great miracle in Sravasti, and his parinirvana in Kushinagar. Each event is identified by a label and a symbol, such as a footprint, a throne, a wheel, or a stupa.
Mythological Figures: The mythological figures are beings and creatures that belong to the Indian mythology and cosmology, such as gods, goddesses, demons, animals, and plants. They also represent the various realms and aspects of the universe, such as the heavens, the earth, the underworld, and the elements. The Bharhut Stupa reliefs depict many mythological figures, such as Indra, the king of the gods, Brahma, the creator of the universe, Yama, the lord of death, Naga, the serpent king, Garuda, the bird king, and Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree. Each figure is identified by a label and a symbol, such as a thunderbolt, a lotus, a staff, a hood, a wing, or a fruit.
How Does the Bharhut Stupa Compare and Contrast with Other Stupas?
The Bharhut Stupa is one of the earliest and most exquisite examples of Buddhist art in India, but it is not the only one. There are many other stupas in India and beyond, that share some similarities and differences with the Bharhut Stupa. Here are some of the ways that the Bharhut Stupa compares and contrasts with other stupas:
Similarities: The Bharhut Stupa shares some common features and elements with other stupas, such as the circular base, the dome, the harmika, the spire, the umbrella, the railing, and the gateways. It also shares some common themes and motifs with other stupas, such as the symbols and signs of the Buddha, the stories and teachings of the Buddha, and the mythological figures and creatures. It also shares some common styles and techniques with other stupas, such as the high and low relief, the bright colors, and the labels and inscriptions.
Differences: The Bharhut Stupa also has some unique features and elements that distinguish it from other stupas, such as the lotus medallions, the elephant capitals, the yaksha and yakshi figures, and the lotus throne. It also has some unique themes and motifs that differentiate it from other stupas, such as the aniconic representation of the Buddha, the Jataka tales, and the events from the life of the Buddha. It also has some unique styles and techniques that set it apart from other stupas, such as the realistic and expressive carving, the natural and dynamic movement, and the humorous and playful details.
What Is the Influence and Legacy of the Bharhut Stupa on Later Buddhist Art and Architecture?
The Bharhut Stupa is not only a masterpiece of early Buddhist art in India, but also a source of influence and inspiration for later Buddhist art and architecture. The Bharhut Stupa style and motifs can be seen in many later stupas, temples, caves, and sculptures, both in India and beyond. Some of the examples and evidence of the continuity and innovation of the Bharhut Stupa style and motifs are:
Sanchi Stupa: The Sanchi Stupa, which is older than the Bharhut Stupa, was renovated and expanded in the 1st century BCE, and adopted some of the features and elements of the Bharhut Stupa, such as the lotus medallions, the elephant capitals, the yaksha and yakshi figures, and the lotus throne. The Sanchi Stupa also depicts some of the stories and figures from the Bharhut Stupa, such as the Jataka tales, the events from the life of the Buddha, and the mythological figures. The Sanchi Stupa also retains some of the styles and techniques of the Bharhut Stupa, such as the high and low relief, the bright colors, and the labels and inscriptions.
Amaravati Stupa: The Amaravati Stupa, which is contemporary to the Bharhut Stupa, was influenced and inspired by the Bharhut Stupa, and developed some of the features and elements of the Bharhut Stupa, such as the circular base, the dome, the harmika, the spire, and the railing. The Amaravati Stupa also depicts some of the stories and figures from the Bharhut Stupa, such as the symbols and signs of the Buddha, the stories and teachings of the Buddha, and the mythological figures and creatures. The Amaravati Stupa also modifies some of the styles and techniques of the Bharhut Stupa, such as the low relief, the white marble, and the floral and geometric motifs.
Borobudur Stupa: The Borobudur Stupa, which is much later than the Bharhut Stupa, was influenced and inspired by the Bharhut Stupa, and incorporated some of the features and elements of the Bharhut Stupa, such as the circular base, the dome, the harmika, the spire, and the umbrella. The Borobudur Stupa also depicts some of the stories and figures from the Bharhut Stupa, such as the Jataka tales, the events from the life of the Buddha, and the mythological figures and creatures. The Borobudur Stupa also adapts some of the styles and techniques of the Bharhut Stupa, such as the high and low relief, the dark stone, and the narrative and decorative panels.
Conclusion
The Bharhut Stupa is a remarkable and fascinating example of Buddhist art in India, that showcases the history, culture, and beliefs of the early Buddhists. It is a splendid and sacred monument that reveals the stories and teachings of the Buddha and his followers, as well as the mythology and cosmology of the Indian people. It is a treasure trove of information and inspiration for anyone interested in Buddhism and Indian art. It is also a source of influence and legacy for later Buddhist art and architecture, both in India and beyond.
If you want to experience the beauty and wonder of the Bharhut Stupa, you can plan your visit to the Indian Museum in Kolkata, where most of the original sculptures and reliefs are preserved and displayed. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum in Allahabad, where some of the fragments and replicas are exhibited. You can also visit the Bharhut village in Madhya Pradesh, where the remains of the stupa are located, and where you can see the local culture and heritage.
The Bharhut Stupa is a must-see for anyone who loves art, history, and culture, and who wants to learn more about the origins and development of Buddhism and Indian art. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the ancient and diverse civilizations of India.