Discover Sarnath’s significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its rich Buddhist history. Learn why it’s in the news today.

Why in News

In August 2025, India officially nominated “Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath” for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the 2025–26 cycle.

About Sarnath

Sarnath (near Varanasi, UP) is the place where Gautama Buddha, delivered his first sermon — the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta — thus setting in motion the wheel of Dharma.

• It was known in ancient times by several names: Rishipatana, Mrigadava, Migadaya, etc.
  • The modern name is believed to be derived from Saranganatha which means “Lord of the Deer”.
• Major monuments span from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE, covering Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, Pala and Gahadavala periods. 
• Sarnath has been a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1920, following the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
• The first scientific excavation at Sarnath was conducted by Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of ASI, between 1834–36.

The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath is divided into two main monument groups.

• Group A: Chaukhandi Stupa:Built around the 5th century CE to honor Lord Buddha’s visit to Sarnath. 
  • Later Addition: An octagonal tower was added in 1588 CE by Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal, to commemorate the visit of Mughal Emperor Humayun to Sarnath.
• Group B: Monuments within the Archaeological Park
  • Dhamek Stupa: Built around 500 CE, Believed to mark the exact spot of Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).
  • Dharmarajika Stupa:Originally built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Constructed to enshrine the relics of the Buddha.
  • Ashokan Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Originally crowned with the Lion Capital, which was later adopted as National Emblem of India on 26th January 1950.
    • The Ashokan Lion Capital and pillar base were excavated in 1904–05 by Friedrich Oscar Oertel. 
  • Ancient Monasteries and Temples: Numerous structures dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE.
    • Include residential viharas, shrines, and temples that demonstrate Sarnath’s role as a major monastic learning centre.
  • Votive Stupas: Smaller stupas built by devotees as acts of piety, representing the continuity of Buddhist worship over centuries.

UNESCO Tentative List 

• The Tentative List is an inventory of sites that a country intends to nominate for inscription on the World Heritage List in the future.
• It acts as a prerequisite: UNESCO will not consider a site for full World Heritage status unless it is already included in the country’s Tentative List.
• States Parties to the World Heritage Convention are required to submit their Tentative Lists to UNESCO.
• Sarnath was placed in the UNESCO Tentative List in 1998 under the name “Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath”.
• India has 43 World Heritage Sites (as of Sep 2025): 35 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed.
  • India also has over 50 sites on its Tentative List.

Q1. Consider the following statements about Sarnath:

1. It is the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
   
2. The Ashokan Lion Capital excavated at Sarnath was adopted as India’s National Emblem in 1950.
   
3. The Chaukhandi Stupa was built by Ashoka to commemorate Buddha’s first sermon.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only