Archaeological Museum Sanchi

When excavations began in earnest at Sanchi at the end of the 19th century, a large number of significant artefacts were discovered. Initially a small museum was established on the hill near the Great Stupa to house these items but eventually it ran out of space. In 1966, this larger museum was opened with more of the collection on display.

The highlight of the archaeological museum is the top of the pillar that Emperor Ashoka installed next to the Great Stupa. This stunning pillar capital has a bell-shaped unfolded lotus that is supporting four lions seated back-to-back. The lions show a sense of vitality and dignity – fitting for the inscription that was on the pillar beneath, in which Ashoka threatened to excommunicate any Buddhist who tried to create a schism.

The museum has a main hall and four other galleries. While most of the artefacts are from Sanchi, there are also items from nearby sites like Vidisha, Murelkhurd, and Gyaraspur. Together, the collection represents six cultural periods that span more than 1000 years.

Other highlights in the museum worth taking note of are part of a stone gateway depicting Buddha’s enlightenment under a Pipal tree, a sculpture of a female goddess called a ‘yakshi’, and a red sandstone Mathura Buddha from the 4th century AD.