- Chairman and members of 16th Finance Commission visit Sanchi Stupas and Udayagiri
Bhopal: Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, praised the Sanchi Stupas as a remarkable example of architecture. He lauded the grandeur and craftsmanship of these ancient stupas, which were built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The site, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, is known for its intricate carvings, arch gates, and detailed depictions of Buddhist Jataka tales.
On Tuesday, Dr. Panagariya, alongside commission members Smt. Annie George Mathew, Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, and Dr. Manoj Panda, visited Sanchi and the historic Udayagiri caves to explore the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. They were welcomed at the Bhopal airport by Finance Department Secretary Shri Lokesh Jatav.
During their visit, the delegation enjoyed an informative light and sound show that highlighted the history of the Sanchi Stupas, the development of Buddhism, and Emperor Ashoka’s Dhamma policy.
The group also explored the Udayagiri caves, renowned for their stunning Gupta-period sculptures of Lord Vishnu and other deities. The awe-inspiring Varaha avatar sculpture in particular left a lasting impression. The members emphasized the importance of preserving these cultural treasures for future generations.
