Why did John Marshall dedicate his important volumes on Sanchi to Sultan Jehan?

1) For her architectural skills
2) For her financial support for the preservation efforts
3) For her military achievements
4) For her religious contributions

Choose the correct answer from the given option:

2

The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum, and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum, played a crucial role in financing the preservation of the ancient site at Sanchi. This support was acknowledged by John Marshall, who dedicated his significant volumes on Sanchi to Sultan Jehan. Notably, she not only funded the construction of the museum and guesthouse where Marshall lived while writing the volumes but also supported the publication of these works. Thanks to wise decisions and a stroke of good luck in avoiding potential threats from railway contractors, builders, and those seeking artifacts for European museums, the stupa complex was able to survive.

The discovery of Sanchi has had a profound impact on our understanding of early Buddhism, establishing it as one of the most significant Buddhist centers. Today, the well-preserved site serves as a testament to the successful restoration and preservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India, showcasing the importance of safeguarding key archaeological sites for posterity.