Production et reproduction d’un monument: le stupa de Sanchi dans l’Inde coloniale

The Sanchi stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a third-century BCE Buddhist monument, has undergone significant transformations from ruins to a revered heritage site over two centuries. This study reveals how its history intertwines with colonial India's archaeological practices and the evolving narratives of national identity. By analyzing institutional shifts, archaeological techniques, and competing historical interpretations, the research demonstrates that Sanchi’s reconstruction reflects broader struggles for defining India’s past during the 19th century. The findings highlight how heritage preservation became entangled with colonial power dynamics and post-independence nationalism.

Guha-Thakurta, T. (2010). Production et reproduction d’un monument: le stupa de Sanchi dans l’Inde coloniale. Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales, 65(6), 1403–1428. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0395264900037495