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 ?

Both statements are correct as per historical and archaeological records documented in NCERT (Themes in Indian History).

• Statement 1: When Sanchi was "discovered" by British officer General Henry Taylor in 1818, the site was remarkably well-preserved. Three of its four ornate gateways (Toranas) were still standing, while the fourth (the Western gateway) was lying on the ground at the spot where it had fallen. This helped in the eventual restoration of the site.
• Statement 2: The carvings on the gateways and railings at Sanchi depict various scenes from the Jataka tales and the life of Buddha. These include a variety of animals such as elephants, horses, monkeys, and cattle, along with deer and birds. These depictions were intended to create lively, relatable scenes for the devotees and often carried symbolic meanings (e.g., elephants symbolizing strength and wisdom).