Buddhist stups: a historical monument of Indian Tourism

Buddhist stupas, such as those at Sanchi, serve as profound architectural and spiritual symbols that transcend their original function as burial mounds. These structures have evolved over centuries to represent the path to spiritual awakening, blending religious significance with cultural heritage. The study highlights how stupas, initially discovered in colonial India by travelers and archaeologists, have become pivotal landmarks for tourism, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. Employing interdisciplinary methods—including archaeological, art-historical, and historical analyses—the research examines the transformation of stupas from simple burial mounds to complex, dome-shaped shrines adorned with intricate details. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, in particular, exemplifies early Indian craftsmanship and the spread of Buddhist philosophy under royal patronage. This work underscores the stupa's enduring significance as a global symbol of religious and cultural heritage, offering insights into its historical value and architectural beauty.

Kondekar, R. S. (2026). Buddhist stups: a historical monument of Indian Tourism. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.18468244