Consider the following statements regarding Sanchi and its archaeological findings: 1. When Sanchi was discovered in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen 2. Animals depicted at Sanchi include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is C, Both 1 and 2. Both statements match the record of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, in Madhya Pradesh, as NCERT's Class 12 history text describes it. When the site was brought to notice in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing and the fourth lay where it had fallen; the mound itself was in good condition. The carved gateways, or toranas, are full of scenes from the Buddha's life and the Jataka tales, and among them are many animals, including elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle, which show how closely the sculptors observed nature. The stupa was later restored, and the rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum, gave money to preserve it, so it survived in place rather than being carried off to Europe. Option A is wrong because statement 2 is also true. Option B is wrong because statement 1 is also true. Option D is wrong because both statements are correct. Exam tip: Sanchi was found in 1818; its stupa was begun under Ashoka, and its four toranas carry Jataka scenes; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.