Sarnath
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: IE
Context: India has officially nominated Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List (2025-26 cycle), potentially ending its 27-year wait on the tentative list.
• The ASI will also install a new plaque crediting Babu Jagat Singh (1787-88) for bringing Sarnath’s archaeological importance to light, correcting earlier attribution to the British.
About Sarnath:
What is Sarnath?
• Sarnath is one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites (along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagara), located ~10 km northeast of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• It is revered as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta), marking the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.
Origin & Early History:
• Known as Mrigadava/Rishipatana in Buddhist texts.
• Its association with Buddha was solidified by Emperor Ashoka (268–232 BCE) who erected the famous Lion Capital Pillar (now India’s National Emblem) and built stupas and monasteries.
• The Dhamek Stupa marks the spot of Buddha’s sermon, while monastic remains (vihara ruins) attest to early community life.
Patronage & Flourishing Period:
• Ashokan Era: Patronage turned Sarnath into a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
• Kushana & Gupta Dynasties (1st–6th CE): Expanded and refurbished structures, built new monasteries, making Sarnath a thriving monastic hub.
• Survived and flourished until 12th century CE.
Decline & Destruction:
• Sarnath was sacked and burned around 12th century CE.
• Some historians attribute destruction to Qutb-ud-din Aibek’s invasion (1193 CE), others to a brahmanical takeover attempt followed by Islamic raids.
• Monks fled, and the site fell into ruin for nearly seven centuries.
Modern Rediscovery:
• 1787-88: Jagat Singh’s workers unearthed Buddha images while digging for construction material.
• 1799: Jonathan Duncan reported findings, triggering British interest.
• 1835-36: Alexander Cunningham conclusively identified Sarnath as Buddha’s sermon site.
• 1904-05: Friedrich Oertel’s scientific excavations yielded 476 artefacts & 41 inscriptions.
Key Features Today:
• Dhamek Stupa – cylindrical stone stupa marking sermon site.
• Ashokan Pillar & Lion Capital – now India’s national emblem.
• Archaeological Museum – houses relics, inscriptions, sculptures (e.g., seated Buddha in Dharmachakra Mudra).