Sarnath Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List: A Milestone for India’s Buddhist Heritage

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, September 18, 2025 – In a historic move, India has officially nominated Sarnath, the ancient Buddhist site near Varanasi, for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2025–26 cycle. The nomination, submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture, marks the culmination of a 27-year journey since Sarnath was first included on UNESCO’s tentative list in 1998. Revered as the sacred location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, Sarnath’s nomination underscores India’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural and spiritual heritage while elevating its global profile as a cornerstone of Buddhist history.

A Sacred Site of Global Significance

Located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi at the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers, Sarnath holds profound spiritual importance as one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, alongside Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace), Bodh Gaya (where he attained enlightenment), and Kushinagar (where he passed away). Known historically as Mrigadava, Rishipatana, or Mrigadaya, Sarnath is where Buddha delivered the Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta(Turning of the Wheel of Dharma) around 528 BCE, laying the foundation for the Buddhist Sangha (community) and articulating core tenets like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This sermon marked the birth of Buddhism as a global religion, making Sarnath a beacon for millions of Buddhists worldwide.

The site’s nomination dossier, meticulously prepared by the ASI, highlights its “Outstanding Universal Value” as a cultural landmark. Sarnath’s architectural and archaeological legacy spans over 1,500 years, from the Mauryan era (3rd century BCE) to the Gahadavala dynasty (12th century CE), showcasing India’s historical role as a cradle of Buddhist art, philosophy, and architecture.

Key Monuments and Historical Legacy

Sarnath’s nomination emphasizes its wealth of monuments, which reflect its evolution as a major Buddhist center. Key features include:

• Dhamek Stupa: A massive cylindrical structure, approximately 39 meters high and 28 meters in diameter, built around 500 CE. It is believed to mark the exact spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The stupa, adorned with Gupta-era stone-carved floral designs, stands as a testament to the site’s enduring spiritual significance.
• Ashokan Pillar and Lion Capital: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the pillar’s Lion Capital, featuring four lions back-to-back, is now India’s national emblem, housed in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. The pillar itself bears Ashoka’s edicts, symbolizing his patronage of Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
• Chaukhandi Stupa: Dating to the 5th century CE, this stupa commemorates the spot where Buddha met his first five disciples. An octagonal tower, added in 1588 by Govardhan, son of Raja Todarmal, marks Mughal-era contributions to the site.
• Dharmarajika Stupa: Originally built by Ashoka to enshrine Buddha’s relics, this stupa underscores Sarnath’s role as a repository of sacred artifacts.
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern monastery constructed in 1931 by the Mahabodhi Society, featuring vibrant frescoes depicting Buddha’s life, painted by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu.
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Established as the ASI’s first site museum, it houses the Lion Capital, 476 artifacts, and 41 inscriptions, including a renowned seated Buddha in the Dharmachakra Mudra.

Sarnath flourished under the patronage of the Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, and Gahadavala dynasties, hosting over 30 monasteries and 3,000 monks by the 7th century CE. Despite invasions, including those attributed to Qutb-ud-din Aibek in 1193 CE and Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century, the site endured until its decline in the 12th century.

Rediscovery and Recognition

Sarnath’s modern rediscovery began in 1787–88 when workers under Babu Jagat Singh, a local ruler, unearthed Buddha images while digging for construction material. This finding sparked interest, with Jonathan Duncan reporting it in 1799, followed by systematic excavations by Alexander Cunningham in 1835–36, who conclusively identified Sarnath as the site of Buddha’s first sermon. Further excavations by Friedrich Oertel in 1904–05 uncovered 476 artifacts, solidifying Sarnath’s archaeological significance.

In a corrective move, the ASI plans to install a new plaque at Sarnath crediting Jagat Singh for his role in the site’s rediscovery, overturning earlier British-centric narratives that attributed the find to colonial archaeologists like Duncan and Colonel E. Mackenzie in 1798. This revision, prompted by a petition from Jagat Singh’s descendants, reflects efforts to acknowledge indigenous contributions to India’s heritage preservation.

UNESCO Nomination: A 27-Year Journey

Sarnath’s inclusion on UNESCO’s tentative list in 1998 under the title “Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath” marked the start of its bid for global recognition. The initial proposal lacked comprehensive documentation, but a revised, robust dossier submitted in 2019 has strengthened its case. The 2025–26 nomination, India’s sole submission under the 1972 World Heritage Convention, follows a rigorous 18-month evaluation process. If successful, Sarnath will join India’s 44 existing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 36 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed site, reinforcing India’s rank as the sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific for such designations.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has accelerated preparations for an upcoming UNESCO evaluation team visit, with high-level meetings held on August 8, 2025, in Lucknow to finalize conservation strategies and sustainable tourism plans. Initiatives include a proposed Vipassana Meditation Centre, a Knowledge Park, Ayurveda-based wellness facilities, and improved multilingual signage to enhance the visitor experience. The state’s connectivity, with airports in Varanasi and Kushinagar, facilitates growing pilgrim flows from Nepal and other Buddhist nations.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The nomination has sparked enthusiasm across India, with Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh calling Sarnath “a priceless jewel of our cultural and spiritual heritage.” Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is expected to elevate Sarnath’s global profile, attract increased tourism, and foster cultural diplomacy. Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram emphasized that inscription would be “a legacy for future generations,” connecting people worldwide to India’s Buddhist heritage.

Economically, the designation could boost local livelihoods through tourism-related opportunities, particularly for artisans, guides, and small businesses in Varanasi. The state government’s Eco-Tourism Development Board is collaborating with local communities, religious institutions, and the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies to ensure sustainable development.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the nomination enjoys widespread support, some challenges remain. Historians and activists have pointed to the need for robust conservation measures to protect Sarnath from urban encroachment and environmental degradation. The site’s proximity to Varanasi’s bustling urban center poses risks to its archaeological integrity. Additionally, some critics argue that India’s focus on promoting Buddhist heritage, as evidenced by recent efforts to prevent auctions of Buddhist relics abroad, must balance cultural preservation with broader religious inclusivity.

A Bridge to the Future

Sarnath’s nomination is more than a bid for global recognition; it is a reaffirmation of India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and a commitment to preserving its tangible heritage. As the UNESCO evaluation process unfolds, the site’s blend of spiritual resonance, architectural grandeur, and historical depth positions it as a strong contender. If inscribed, Sarnath will not only become Uttar Pradesh’s first Buddhist UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a global symbol of peace and enlightenment, drawing pilgrims and scholars alike to the sacred Deer Park where Buddhism began.

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