<History>The Great Stupa was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank. It has four profusely carved ornamental gateways and a balustrade encircling the whole structure. The construction work was overseen was Ashoka's first wife, Samragyi Vidisha Devi herself.</History>
