Sarnath nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List for 2025-26
Why in the news
India has put forward the Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in the 2025-26 nomination cycle. The site has waited on the tentative list since 1998.
Key facts
- Location: near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Significance: site of Buddha’s first sermon after enlightenment, the Dhammachakkappavattana.
- Tentative list entry: 1998.
- Sarnath is counted among four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar.
| Monument | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chaukhandi Stupa | Brick structure of about the 5th century CE; octagonal tower added in 1588 |
| Dhamek Stupa | Built around 500 CE, marks the first sermon spot |
| Dharmarajika Stupa | Built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to hold relics |
| Ashokan Pillar | Once topped by the Lion Capital |
About the site’s history
Alexander Cunningham carried out early excavations in 1834-36. The Lion Capital was excavated in 1904-05 and adopted as India’s State Emblem on 26 January 1950. Remains at Sarnath span the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE.
Exam angle
- Remember 1998 for the tentative list and 2025-26 for the nomination cycle.
- Link Sarnath with the first sermon and the national emblem.