English: The east entrance to the main stupa at Sanchi (numbered no. 1). Early morning view, with a group of female domestic visitors (clearly not Buddhist pilgrims). The stupa was constructed under emperor Asoka and further enhanced during the Shunga and Satavahana periods. It is probably the best preserved Buddhist monument of its age in India, and thus around the world. The eastern ceremonial gate is one of the better preserved ones, with one apsara still hanging and most of the elephants still in place. The elephants on the columns of the ceremonial gates have been adapted for the official seal of the Republic of India.