WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -According to legend, King Ashoka, who was the first king to embrace Buddhism (he ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent from c. 269-232 B.C.E.), created 84, 000 stupas and divided the Buddha’s ashes among them all.

Detailed explanation-2: -King Ashoka built this dome, called a stupa, to hold sacred objects associated with Buddhism. Ashoka wanted a strong, united empire guided by Buddhist values. To spread those values to his people, he had edicts carved into walls, rocks, and tall pillars in public places so the greatest number of people could see them.

Detailed explanation-3: -Another evidence of Ashoka’s connection to the city may be the name of the Dharmarajika Stupa near Taxila; the name suggests that it was built by Ashoka ("Dharma-raja").

Detailed explanation-4: -Examples: Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh is the most famous of the Ashokan stupas. Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh is the oldest one. Stupas built after the death of Buddha: Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethapida, Pava, Kushinagar and Pippalivana.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries.