BRICS Delegates Awestruck By Sanchi’s Buddhist Heritage And Ancient Architecture
BRICS delegates visited Sanchi, the World Heritage Site in Raisen district, on Saturday to witness India’s rich Buddhist heritage and architectural legacy, describing the site as a remarkable centre of peace and spirituality.
A 42-member delegation from BRICS countries, including Brazil, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Russia, toured the site along with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
BRICS Delegation Tours Jambu Dweep Park, Museum And Buddhist Stupa
The delegates explored Jambu Dweep Park, the museum and the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, accompanied by Madhya Pradesh’s Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Lodhi. Upon their arrival, Raisen Collector Arun Kumar Vishwakarma led the welcome ceremony, greeting the delegates with a traditional tilak in keeping with Indian customs.
The visiting delegates appeared visibly moved by India’s thousands-of-years-old architectural traditions, the intricately carved Buddhist imagery on stone, and the stupa’s association with Lord Buddha’s message of peace and compassion.
Officials said the delegates described Sanchi’s historical legacy as a remarkable example of India’s rich cultural traditions, closely examining the main stupa, ancient structures, gateways, pillars and craftsmanship within the complex. Experts and guides provided the delegation with detailed information on Sanchi’s history, the spread of Buddhism, and the architectural features of the monuments.
Intricate Stone Carvings At Gateways Draw Special Attention From Delegates
The finely carved gateways (toranas) of the Buddhist stupa drew particular attention from the BRICS delegates. Officials explained that the carvings depict scenes from Buddhist traditions, Jataka tales, nature, animals and birds, as well as aspects of contemporary social life from the period.
The delegates were told that the establishment of Buddhist monuments at Sanchi dates back to the era of Mauryan emperor Ashoka, and that Sanchi was developed as an important centre of Buddhism. The foreign delegates showed particular interest in the site’s history and architectural heritage, photographing the monuments and observing different sections of the complex closely.
Delegates Call Sanchi Visit An Unforgettable Experience
Officials said Sanchi’s significance extends beyond its historical value to its spiritual and global importance. The delegates were particularly moved by the World Heritage Site’s association with Lord Buddha’s message of peace, non-violence, compassion and humanity, describing Sanchi as a heritage site where the culture of ancient India and a message of world peace can both be experienced together.
The delegates reportedly said that learning about a historical site through books and photographs is different from witnessing thousands of years of heritage in person, calling their visit to Sanchi an unforgettable experience.
Bhopal Divisional Commissioner Karamveer Sharma, Culture Department Principal Secretary Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Managing Director Ilaiyaraaja T, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Board Abhay Wedekar, and senior officials from Bhopal, including Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta, were also present on the occasion.
Light And Sound Show Brings Buddhist History And Art To Life
Following their tour of the stupa, the BRICS delegation experienced a light and sound show at the complex in the evening, presenting Buddhist history and art in a vivid format. Officials said the delegates were shown a 3D presentation depicting Buddhist culture, the life and philosophy of Lord Gautam Buddha, and his teachings.
The light and sound show effectively presented Lord Buddha’s life, his renunciation, his attainment of enlightenment, and his message of compassion, peace and humanity, offering the delegates an immersive introduction to Sanchi’s spiritual and historical significance.
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