India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Madhya pradesh

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 01.01.1966

Pin code: 464661

Status: Active

PO Name: Sanchi

Description: Sanchi is a small village located on the banks of the Betwa River in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. This historical stupa was built by the famous Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC. The work of its construction was handed over by Ashoka to his wife Mahadevi Sakyakumari, who was the daughter of a businessman in Vidisha state. Ashoka and Mahadevi Sakyakumari were also married in Sanchi, so Emperor Ashoka and his wife got it constructed. This stupa was first built with bricks, which was covered with stones during the Shunga period. Toran gates and balustrades in this stupa were built during the Satavahana period and were painted with beautiful colours. It is believed that the artwork made on the gate and the size of the gates were determined by the Satavahana king Satkarni. The stupa located in Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India. This famous stupa was deserted by the 14th century because no ruler at that time paid attention to its preservation. 

This stupa was discovered in the year 1818 by a British officer General Taylor. Seeing the deserted state of this stupa, the British Government entrusted Sir John Marshall with the task of rebuilding it. Sir John Marshall reconstructed this stupa from 1912-1919 and re-erected it. This stupa is one of the largest stupas in India, whose height is about 21.64 meters and diameter is 36.5 meters. This stupa also has 4 arch gates on which stories from the life of Gautam Buddha to Parinirvana have been depicted. In 1919, Sir John Marshall established an archaeological museum to preserve it, which was later converted into the Sanchi Archaeological Museum. Sanchi was never visited by Gautam Buddha, even though today this place has its historical importance for Buddhism. This stupa was built to study Buddhism and teach Buddhist teachings. The most famous Ashoka pillar, which consists of four lions like Sarnath, is found near this stupa. A large number of inscriptions in Brahmi script have been found in the first stupa of Sanchi. Given the structure and craftsmanship of this stupa, it has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1989.