Context: At the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, India’s official nomination Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- It marks India’s 45th World Heritage property, placing the nation 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for total UNESCO sites.
About Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List:
What It Is?
- The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath is a serial World Heritage property preserving one of the four principal destinations of Buddhist pilgrimage.
- It was inscribed under UNESCO criteria (iii) for its enduring spiritual tradition and criteria (vi) for its direct association with pivotal events in the life of Gautama Buddha—specifically his first sermon (Dharmachakra pravartana) and the establishment of the Buddhist Sangha.
Geographical Location:
Located within Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The serial property comprises two primary components:
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (encompassing Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the Ashokan Pillar site).
History & Sacred Context:
- Ancient Nomenclature: Known historically in Buddhist literature as Rishipatana, Ishipatana, and Mrigadava.
- The First Sermon (6th Century BCE): Gautama Buddha visited Sarnath in the 6th century BCE to deliver his first sermon, Turning of the Wheel of the Law (Dharmachakra pravartana), introducing the principles of the Noble Eightfold Path and the concept of Triratna.
- Multifaceted Patronage & Decline: Evolved over centuries through royal, monastic, and lay patronage from the pre-Mauryan era (5th–4th century BCE) up to its decline and destruction in the 12th century CE.
- Rediscovery & ASI Excavations: Fell into obscurity until its rediscovery in the 18th century. For over 150 years, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conducted excavations revealing a continuous, stratified settlement spanning 16 centuries.
Architectural & Archaeological Features:
- Dhamekh & Chaukhandi Stupas: Massive structural stupas marking sacred spots where the Buddha met his first disciples and delivered core teachings.
- Mauryan Ashokan Pillar & Lion Capital: Features the historic Mauryan-era pillar carved from polished sandstone. Its polished Lion Capital, excavated during 1904–1906, was later adopted as the National Emblem of India.
- Monastic Ensembles (Viharas): Preserved brick foundations of ancient monasteries, temples, and Mulagandhakuti Vihara, showcasing structural evolution across Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods.
- Classic Gupta Art: Yielded world-famous Masterpieces of Gupta art, including the Dharmachakrapravartan Buddha statue, currently housed at India’s earliest site museum established in Sarnath in 1904.
