Who laid the foundation of the great stūpa at Sanchi?
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Emperor Aśoka is credited with the construction of thousands of stupas and pillars across India to spread Buddhism. The original core of many famous stupas, including Sanchi and Sarnath, was built during his reign.
Step 1: Question Clarification
The query seeks to determine who initiated the construction of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, specifically its foundational phase. Step 2: Historical Background
The Great Stupa (Stupa No. 1) at Sanchi stands as one of India's most ancient stone edifices. Its original base was established by the Mauryan emperor Aśoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Initially, it was a modest brick structure erected over the relics of the Buddha. Subsequent rulers, notably from the Shunga dynasty, undertook expansions, encasing it in stone to reach its current magnitude. Step 3: Conclusive Response
Emperor Aśoka is credited with laying the foundation of the Sanchi Stupa.