Which of the following statements is correct about the Dhamek stupa?
I. Dhamek Stupa is the most noticeable structure in Sarnath, near Varanasi.
II. The Stupa is 28 meters in diameter at the base and 43.6 meters in height, built partly of stone and partly of brick.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Both I and II

Explanation:

Let’s examine the given statements about Dhamek Stupa:

• Statement I: "Dhamek Stupa is the most noticeable structure in Sarnath, near Varanasi."
  Correct – Dhamek Stupa is indeed the most prominent and well-preserved monument at Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located about 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It marks the spot where Gautama Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
• Statement II: "The Stupa is 28 meters in diameter at the base and 43.6 meters in height, built partly of stone and partly of brick."
  Correct – These measurements are accurate. The lower part of the Stupa is made of stone, intricately carved with floral and geometric patterns, while the upper portion is built of brick. Its massive structure makes it architecturally significant.

Hence, both statements are correct.

Information Booster:

• The Dhamek Stupa was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, and later expanded in subsequent centuries.
• The name "Dhamek" is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word Dharmeksha, meaning "contemplation of the Dharma".
• Sarnath is one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites identified by the Buddha himself (along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar).
• The Stupa symbolizes the site where the Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) was set in motion.

Major Buddhist Stupas in India