最初，窣堵坡的主要功能在于供奉并守护释迦牟尼佛的舍利。现存考古学上已知最早的窣堵坡，是位于印度比哈尔邦的吠舍离舍利塔（Relic Stupa of Vaishali）[1][2]。随着宗教实践方式的演变，窣堵坡逐渐被纳入祈禱廳（Chaitya-griha）的建筑体系之中，其典型代表即阿旃陀石窟与埃洛拉石窟等建筑群。位于比哈尔邦菩提伽耶的摩诃菩提寺亦是著名的佛教建筑实例。
^Fogelin, Lars. An Archaeological History of Indian Buddhism. Oxford University Press. 2015: 85.ISBN 9780199948239.
^Lahiri, Nayanjot. Ashoka in Ancient India. Harvard University Press. 2015: 246–247.ISBN 9780674057777.
^Harle, James Coffin. The art and architecture of the Indian subcontinent 2nd. New Haven London: Yale University Press. 1994: 201.ISBN 978-0-300-06217-5（英语）.
^Michell, George. The Penguin guide to the monument of India. The Penguin guide to the monument of India. London: Penguin book. 1990: 228–229.ISBN 978-0-14-008144-2.
