DEVELOPMENT OF STUPA IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Abstract

The word ‘Stupa’ is derived from Prakrit word ‘Thupa,’ , Sanskrit word ‘Sthupa’ and Pali ‘Thupa. Stupa with its various synonyms like- Tumulus, Tope, Dagaba, Cupola, Thupi, Thuva or Top is the name of edifices which serve as receptacle for a relic or as monument. Stupas are either hemispherical or bell shaped and rest up on a base of three concentric storeys which form the circumbulatory path round the tope. They sustained a cubical erection called Tee. From Tee arises the spire (Chhatra) also called umbrella which crowns the whole edifice.