Question

What are stupas? Mention some of their striking features.

Answer 1

Stupas are Buddhist religious buildings made of brick and stone. There are several kinds of stupas.
$\bullet$ Some are round and tall while some are big and small. Here are some striking features of stupas.
$\bullet$ There is a small box, known as a relic casket, placed at the centre or heart of the stupa. The box contains bodily remains of the Buddha or his followers, or things they used, as well as precious stones and coins.
$\bullet$ This box was covered with earth. Later, a layer of mud brick or baked brick was added on top. And then, the dome-like structure was sometimes covered with carved stone slabs.
$\bullet$ A path called the pradakshina patha was laid around the stupa. This was surrounded with railings. Entrance to the path was through gateways.
$\bullet$ Devotees walked around the stupa in a clockwise direction, as a mark of devotion.