Sanchi Stupa No. 2
| Sanchi Stupa No. 2 | |
|---|---|
Stupa number 2 at Sanchi | |
| General information | |
| Type | Stupa |
| Architectural style | Buddhist |
| Location | Sanchi Town, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Coordinates | 23°29′N 77°44′E / 23.48°N 77.73°E |
| Construction started | 2nd century BCE |
| Part of | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi |
| Criteria | Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi) |
| Reference | 524 |
| Inscription | 1989 (13th Session) |
The Stupa No. 2 at Sanchi, also called Sanchi II, is one of the oldest existing Buddhist stupas in India, and part of the Buddhist complex of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. It is of particular interest since it has the earliest known important displays of decorative reliefs in India, probably anterior to the reliefs at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, or the reliefs of Bharhut. It displays what has been called "the oldest extensive stupa decoration in existence". Stupa II at Sanchi is therefore considered as the birthplace of Jataka illustrations.