CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -According to a notification issued by Union Ministry of Culture , Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has been declared as ‘protected area of national importance’ by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Detailed explanation-2: -An ancient Buddhist site in Uttar Pradesh’s Sarnath known as Chaukhandi Stupa has been declared to be a “protected area of national importance” by the Archaeological Survey of India, a notification of the Union Ministry of Culture said.

Detailed explanation-3: -Chaukhandi Stupa was built to mark the place where Buddha met his first disciples Panchavargiya Bhikshus (Buddha’s five companions) who had previously deserted him at Rajgir, as he traveled from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. The stupa got its name Chaukhandi’ because of its four armed plan.

Detailed explanation-4: -Chaukhandi Stupa appears to be in ruins and was originally constructed in the 5th Century AD. The structure which stands atop a terraced rectangular plinth, is capped by an relatively new octagonal Mughal tower. It was built by Akbar in 1589 AD to commemorate his father Humayun’s visit to the site.

Detailed explanation-5: -The existing structure of the Chaukhandi Stupa resembles a tall earthen mound covered with brick standing on a rectangular terrace plinth. Also, during the excavation, many pictures of Lord Buddha in Dharmik Mudra were found that are rare examples of the ancient history of the Gupta Dynasty.