Question

In the 19th century, why were the French and English interested in the stupa at Sanchi?

• A. To learn about Indian cuisine
• B. To study Indian politics
• C. To display the eastern gateway in European museums
• D. To promote Indian art and culture

Hint:

To remember the survival of Sanchi vs. Amaravati: Amaravati was "looted" because it was discovered earlier when preservation wasn't a priority. Sanchi survived because the rulers of Bhopal took active interest in its on-site preservation and offered plaster casts to the Europeans instead of the originals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
During the colonial period, European powers often tried to remove significant archaeological artifacts from colonized lands to fill their own national museums.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
When the Sanchi Stupa was "re-discovered" in the $19^{th}$ century, its gateways (toranas) were found to be in excellent condition.
The French, in particular, were very keen to acquire the eastern gateway to display it in a museum in Paris.
The English also had similar designs for their museums in London.
They requested the then ruler of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum, for permission to take the gateway.
Fortunately, the Begum and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum provided them with high-quality plaster casts of the gateway instead, which satisfied the Europeans and kept the original structure at Sanchi.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The interest was primarily to display the original eastern gateway in European museums.