Chakhil-i-Ghoundi Stupa

The Chakhil-i-Ghoundi Stupa, also code-named "Stupa C1", is a small limestone stupa from the Chakhil-i-Ghoundi monastery, at the archeological site of Hadda in eastern Afghanistan [1]. Most of the remains of the stupa were gathered in 1928, by the archeological mission of Frenchman Jules Barthoux of the French Archaeological Delegation in Afghanistan [1]. They are today on display at the Musée Guimet in Paris [1]. It is usually dated to the 2nd–3rd century CE [1]. The decoration of the stupa provides an interesting case of Greco-Buddhist art, combining Hellenistic and Indian artistic elements [1]. The stupa base is an elaborate construction, consisting of three tiers organised in a stair, and two sides [1]. The base combines very contrasted scenes and sculptural motifs: Hellenistic scenes at the bottom tier, and Indian Buddhist scenes at the top two tiers [1].