Sanchi and Videsha

Asoka is the archetype of the good emperor. During the Vth century before Christ, he made war against the neighbor kingdoms, until he understood how much suffering these wars had created. He embraced Buddhism, made alliances with other kingdoms to ensure there will never be any more war, and he spread Buddhism in the south, Sri Lanka, and south Asia.


Right after changing his behavior, he made build this huge stupa in Sanchi. From then, it remaind a Buddhist place with monasteries for centuries, until Buddhism got absorbed by Hinduism.



This is a smaller stupa.












Ruins of a monastery



In a monastery



I don't know if the picture transmits the impression, but to me this buddha has a perfect expression of quietness.



A very peaceful place.



Then I went to Videsha (10 km away) by bike.



Street in Videsha



Another street in Videsha



Temple in Videsha