Why is in News?
The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, making Sarnath India’s 45th World Heritage Site and the fourth in Uttar Pradesh.
About Sarnath
- Sarnath (historically known as Rishipattan or Mrigadava) is one of the four sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, setting in motion the Dharmachakra Pravartan (Turning of the Wheel of Law).
- Nodal Ministry/Department: Ministry of Culture, Government of India; managed on the ground by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Legal Status: Protected as a Monument of National Importance under the AMASR Act, 1958 and now recognized as a Cultural Property on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
- Key Exclusion/Scope: Includes the core archaeological precinct comprising the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar remnants, and excavated monastic complexes (Viharas) while establishing a designated buffer zone around the living heritage area to protect against uncontrolled urban encroachment.
Art, Constitution & Global Tally
- Constitutional Provisions & National Emblem Connection:
- Ashokan Pillars & National Symbols: Emperor Ashoka visited Sarnath in the 3rd century BCE and erected the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was adopted as the National Emblem of India in 1950. The 24-spoke Dharmachakra featured on its abacus forms the center of the Indian National Flag.
- Constitutional Mandate: Article 49 (Directive Principles of State Policy) obligates the State to protect monuments and places of artistic or historic interest. Article 51A(f) makes it a Fundamental Duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
- Gupta Golden Age: Sarnath developed a distinct style of sculpture during the Gupta Period (4th–6th Century CE), characterized by translucent drapery, serene facial expressions, and halo decorations.
- Iconic Representation: The Sarnath Buddha seated in the Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudra, carved from Chunar sandstone, represents the pinnacle of classical Indian sculpture.
Canonical Mapping: The Four Sacred Sites of Buddhism
- Lumbini (Kapilavastu, Nepal): Marks the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. Primary architectural markers include the Ashokan Pillar and Mayadevi Temple.
- Bodh Gaya (Gaya, Bihar): Marks the site of enlightenment (Nirvana). Primary architectural markers include the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and the sacred Bodhi Tree.
- Sarnath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh): Marks the site of the first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartan). Primary architectural markers include the Dhamek Stupa and original Ashoka Lion Capital.
- Kushinagar (Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh): Marks the site of Buddha's demise (Mahaparinirvana). Primary architectural markers include the Parinirvana Stupa and the Reclining Buddha Statue.
Global Heritage Metrics & Regional Distribution
- India's Global Standing: With Sarnath's inscription, India's World Heritage footprint expands to 45 sites (37 Cultural, 7 Natural, and 1 Mixed - Khangchendzonga National Park).
- Uttar Pradesh Profile: Sarnath joins the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri as Uttar Pradesh's fourth World Heritage Site, diversifying the state's global heritage presence beyond the Agra cluster into the Eastern Buddhist Circuit.
Related Previous Year Questions
- Mains Exam [2020]: Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India, Enumerate. [150 Words] [10 Marks]
- Prelims Exam [2020]: With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
- Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer
- Shramana — Priest with a high status
- Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Correct Answer: (b)