The earliest existing structures,going back to the 3rd century B.C. are those of brick and stone,the Buddhist Stupas,in which relics of the Buddha or Buddhist saints were enshrined.The outer mound was circular as may be seen at Sanchi and at Sarnath (near Varanasi).The stupa was usually capped by an umbrella,symbolizing royalty and protection.The gateways or toranas at Sanchi have exquisite carvings of the life of the Buddha.A stone railing usually enclosed the stupas allowing a path of circumambulation.
The stupa as an architectural concept was repeated all over South-east and East Asia under the names pagoda,dagoba etc.with the spread of Buddhism to these areas.
