Great Bowl - History Overflowing!

The Great Bowl's history is intertwined with the rise and patronage of Buddhism in Sanchi. It is believed to have been commissioned during the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) or the subsequent Sunga dynasty (2nd century BCE), when Sanchi emerged as a significant Buddhist center. The bowl's purpose was likely to serve as a communal vessel for distributing food, likely rice or other grains, to the large monastic community residing at Sanchi. The sheer size of the bowl indicates the scale of the monastic population and the resources dedicated to their sustenance. Over the centuries, as Sanchi's fortunes fluctuated, the Great Bowl remained a silent witness to the changing times, eventually becoming a historical artifact showcasing the region's rich past. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in India.