Sanchi Archaeological Museum
An Archaeological Survey of India museum at the foot of Sanchi Hill. Its treasure is the four-lion capital of an Ashokan pillar, along with gateway fragments and Buddha figures.
The Sanchi Archaeological Museum is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and sits near the entrance at the foot of the Great Stupa hill. Its collection all comes from excavations at Sanchi. The most important exhibit is the four-lion capital at the top of an Ashokan pillar (3rd century BCE). Four lions stand back to back on polished sandstone, the same type as the Sarnath lion capital, which is the model for India's national emblem. Other exhibits include yakshi figures from the gateways, seated Buddha and Bodhisattva figures from the Gupta period, reliquaries, ancient pottery and tools. The museum is not large, and a visit takes about 40 minutes. Admission is very cheap. It closes on Fridays, and photography is prohibited in some areas. It is best to see the stupa first and then come here to compare.
Opening hours
Sat–Thu 09:00–17:00 (closed Fridays)
Nearby sights
- Chetiyagiri Vihara
- Sanchi Stupa
- Sanchi Stupa No. 2
- Udayagiri Caves
- Bijamandal, Vidisha
- Satdhara Stupas
- Heliodorus Pillar
- Maladevi Temple, Gyaraspur