The Great Stupa at Sanchi

The brick core, about half the present diameter, is attributed to Ashoka because it stands beside a Mauryan pillar carrying his edict against schism in the sangha. In the 2nd century BCE, probably under the Shungas, the mound was doubled in size and cased in stone, with a railing and terrace.

The four gateways came in the late 1st century BCE or early 1st century CE. One carries the gift inscription of Ananda, foreman of the artisans of the king Satakarni, which ties them to the Satavahanas, though whether that dynasty then ruled Vidisha is debated. Almost everything a visitor sees is post-Mauryan; only the core is Ashoka's.