Tracing Sarnath
Why it matters?
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will install a “corrected” plaque that will credit Babu Jagat Singh (Diwan of Raja Chait Singh of Benares) for bringing to light Sarnath’s archaeological importance for the first time in 1787-88, and not the British in 1798 by Jonathan Dunancan, a prominent Indologist who had founded the Sanskrit College at Varanasi in 1791.
What you should know?
India officially nominated Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2025-26 cycle.
About Sarnath:
10 km to the northeast of Varanasi at the left bank of River Ganga.
Buddha delivered his first sermon in c. 528 BCE here to his five disciples- disciples Kaundinya, Assaji, Bhaddiya, Vappa and Mahanama.
Place at which the Buddhist sangha formed.
Ancient Buddhist texts refer to this location as Mrigadava or Rishipatana.
Lion pillar at Sarnath that today acts as the emblem of the Republic of India.
Ashoka constructed Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath.