The SixArches
Six arches. Six places. One state.
The six arches are conceived as a quick walk through the Buddhist Trail of Madhya Pradesh, with Sanchi as the principal point of reference. Each arch functions as a compact diorama, combining sculptural murals, architectural forms, landscape elements and interpretive information to create a more immersive introduction to the region’s Buddhist heritage.
The visual treatment seen in the dioramas is deliberately earthy and archaeological. Stone arches, relief murals, modelled stupas and Toranas, Buddha figures, village settings, trees, hills, grass, white stones and planted foliage work together to create depth and atmosphere. The murals are not treated as flat backgrounds; they project into the space, while the grass, stones and plants extend the scene physically towards the visitor.
The Sanchi diorama, for example, brings together the Great Stupa, Torana, circumambulatory railing, monks and devotees, while adjacent sculptural scenes introduce the Buddha in moments of meditation, alms-giving and interaction with the wider social landscape. This helps visitors understand Buddhist heritage not only through monuments, but also through people, stories, ritual and place.
Together, the six arches create the feeling of moving from one Buddhist landscape to another, offering visitors a concise visual journey through the Buddhist heritage of Madhya Pradesh before they encounter the larger museum narrative and the monuments of Sanchi themselves.
Together, these six sites position Sanchi within the wider Buddhist landscape of Madhya Pradesh, showing how stupas, monasteries, rock-cut caves, inscriptions, relics, paintings and narrative sculpture collectively trace the growth and continuity of Buddhism across the region.
From one Buddhist landscape to another.
Gallery
Five of the six bays photographed from the colonnade, followed by the six interpretive plaques — Saru Maru, Bagh Caves, Deur Kothar, Satdhara, Sanchi and Bharhut.
