Consider the following statements regarding the architectural features of ancient Buddhist stupas:

Statement I: In stupa architecture, a torana is a decorative gateway that delineates the boundary of the holy site.

Statement II: The primary function of a torana was to house and safeguard sacred Buddhist relics within its interior structure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Explanation:

Let us evaluate each of the given statements regarding ancient Buddhist stupa architecture:

Analysis of Statement I:
In Buddhist stupa architecture (most prominently seen in the Sanchi Stupa), a torana refers to an ornamental gateway located at the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West). These gateways mark the entrance points built into the surrounding wooden or stone railing (vedika) and serve to delineate the boundary of the sacred precinct. Therefore, Statement I is correct.

Analysis of Statement II:
The primary function of a torana was artistic, symbolic, and ceremonial—serving as an entrance decorated with rich sculptural reliefs illustrating scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. The sacred relics of the Buddha or revered monks were housed in a relic casket placed deep inside the core of the anda (the solid hemispherical mound) or beneath the harmika, not within the decorative gateway structure. Therefore, Statement II is incorrect.

Conclusion:
Since Statement I accurately describes the feature of a torana and Statement II incorrectly identifies its function, the correct choice is Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.