Buildings, Paintings and Books — Social Science STD 6 — Question

1. There were several stages in building a stupa.
2. Generally, rulers or their wives decided to build stupas. They probably spent money from their treasury to support those who worked to build these splendid structures.
3. Then, good quality stone (or baked bricks) had to be found, quarried, and transported to the place that was usually carefully chosen for the new building.
4. Skilled labourers and artisans were called at the place of construction. The rough blocks of stone had to be shaped and carved. And then these had to be placed in precisely the right position.

Whenever devotees came to visit the stupas, they often brought gifts, which were used to decorate the building. For instance, an association of ivory workers paid for one of the beautiful gateways at Sanchi. Others who were paid for decorations included merchants, farmers, garland makers, perfumers, smiths, and hundreds of men and women who are known only by their names.