Final answer:
A Torana is a ceremonial gateway in Indian architecture, characterized by two or three lintels between two posts, often found at the entrances to temples and significant structures, serving as symbolic thresholds.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Torana is an elaborately carved ceremonial gateway in Indian Buddhist and Hindu architecture characterized by two or three lintels between two posts. These entrance gateways are significant in the historical context of India, serving as threshold markers for sacred and royal spaces. The Torana is often found in grand structures such as Mahabodhi Temple, symbolizing a passageway from the mundane to the divine.
Traced back to ancient Indian architectural traditions, the gateway holds religious and aesthetic significance. For instance, the Sanchi Stupa features a Torana at its entrance, which is beautifully decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha.
In addition to their presence in Buddhist architecture, Toranas also appear in Hindu contexts and have influenced temple architecture throughout the Indian subcontinent. This architectural element serves both as a practical entryway and a symbolic representation of transition and enlightenment.