<Tr> <Th> Reference </Th> <Td> 524 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Inscription </Th> <Td> 1989 (13th Session) </Td> </Tr> <P> Sanchi Stupa, also written Sanci, is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, India . It is located in 46 kilometres (29 mi) north - east of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh . The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE . Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha . It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol - like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics . The original construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant of nearby Vidisha . Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding . In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added . The Sanchi Stupa built during Mauryan period was made of bricks . The complex flourished until the 11th century . </P> <P> Sanchi is the center of a region with a number of stupas including Satdhara (17 km from Sanchi, 40 stupas, the Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana, now enshrined in the new Vihara, were unearthed there), Morel Khurd (on a fortified hilltop with 60 stupas), Andher (17 km NE of Vidisha), Mawas, Sonari etc. all within a few miles of Sanchi . </P>

Who built the stupa at sanchi in madhya pradesh