Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh,
has been declared as a Monument
and protected area of national importance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Chaukhandi
Stupa:
Chaukhandi Stupa is a lofty mound of brick whose
square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower. It was built to mark the
place where Lord Buddha met his first disciples as he traveled from Bodhgaya to
Sarnath.
The Chaukhandi Stupa is said to be originally a
terraced temple during the Gupta period, that 4th to 6th Century.
Govardhan,the son of Raja Todarmal gave the
present shape to the Chaukhandi Stupa.He built an octagonal tower to
commemorate the visit of Humayun,the great Mughal ruler.
Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI):
ASI was formed on 1861, headquartered
at New Delhi,
India. ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage in
India. It functions under the Ministry
of Culture.
ASI is responsible for the regulation of all
archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological
Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Antiquities and Art Treasure Act,1972
