Question

Discuss the small box placed at the centre of the stupa.

Answer 1

The small box placed at the centre of the stupa contained bodily remains such as teeth, bone or ashes of the Buddha or his followers, or things they used, as well as precious stones and coins.

This box is known as a relic casket. It was covered with earth. Later, a layer of mud-brick was added on top.

And then, the dome-like structure was sometimes covered with carved stone slabs.