Critical analysis on the topic stupas …

The fate of Amravati stupa was different from Sanchi stupa in the following manner:

• Amravati stupa was discovered before the Sanchi stupa. Whereas Sanchi stupa was discovered in 1818 which was much late than when Amravati stupa was discovered. By that time scholars have become aware of its value and the importance to preserve things where they had been found.

• In 1796, when a local raja saw the ruins of Amravati stupa, he decided to use its stone for building a temple at the same place. Thus, the value of Amravati stupa was not recognized.

• Foreigners and other establishments took away the remains of Amravati stupa to their places. In 1854, Walter Elliot, the commissioner of Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), collected several sculpture panels and took them away to Madras. Its slabs were also taken to the Asiatic Society of Bengal at Calcutta, to the India Office in Madras and some even to London.

• As in the case of Amravati stupa, the gateways of Sanchi stupa were not taken into the museums of London. They were well preserved and were of great importance.

• When Sanchi stupa was discovered, three of its four gateways remained intact and the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen. The mound was also in good condition. Thus, no such harm was done to the unique piece of architecture.

Thus, all these factors indicate why Sanchi Stupa was well preserved whereas Amravati stupa stumbled.