Sarnath and UNESCO World Heritage Recognition for UPSC Prelims – Prelims Specific

Introduction

Sarnath, historically known as Rishipattana or Mrigadava, is one of the four holiest Buddhist sites globally. Its recent recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores its Outstanding Universal Value in the evolution of Buddhist art, philosophy, and architectural history.

Why in News?

• Sarnath has been formally inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• The recognition acknowledges the site's role as the location of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the first sermon delivered by Gautama Buddha.
• It highlights India's commitment to the preservation of its ancient civilizational heritage.

Static Link

• The topic is central to Ancient Indian History and Art and Culture.
• It relates to the Mauryan Empire (Ashokan influence) and the Gupta period (peak of Sarnath School of sculpture).
• UPSC often examines the architectural features of Stupas (e.g., Dhamek, Chaukhandi) and pillar edicts, as well as the transition from early Indian art styles to the classical Gupta aesthetic.

Institutional Link

• UNESCO: An intergovernmental agency that designates World Heritage Sites based on strict criteria of cultural or natural importance.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): An attached office under the Ministry of Culture, responsible for archaeological research and conservation. It functions under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act.

Core Prelims Facts

• Sarnath School of Sculpture: Distinctive for using local sandstone and depicting figures with a serene, spiritual expression, often with transparent drapery and slim, graceful features.
• Ashokan Pillar: Sarnath houses the famous Lion Capital, which serves as the official National Emblem of India.
• Dhamek Stupa: Marks the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five original disciples.
• Chaukhandi Stupa: Marks the spot where Buddha met his first five disciples; a classic example of Gupta-era brickwork.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta: The foundational Buddhist scripture that details the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• Shramana Tradition: The movement of asceticism and renunciation that led to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: The use of cultural heritage (like Buddhist sites) to strengthen international relations and civilizational links with East and South-East Asian nations.

Bodies / Organisations / Institutions

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The primary body for the protection and maintenance of India's national monuments.
• UNESCO World Heritage Committee: The global body responsible for the selection and monitoring of World Heritage Sites.

Places / Geography / Mapping Points

• Sarnath: Located in Uttar Pradesh near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers, in proximity to Varanasi.

Schemes / Laws / Reports / Conventions

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Government initiative under which the Buddhist Circuit is being developed to boost tourism.
• AMASR Act: The primary legislation governing the protection and preservation of archaeological sites in India.

Possible UPSC Prelims Traps

• Confusion between the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath and other pillars (e.g., Rampurva or Lauriya Nandangarh).
• Assuming Sarnath school uses grey schist (which is characteristic of Gandhara art, not Sarnath/Mathura school).
• Misattributing the Sarnath school to the Mauryan era instead of the Gupta era.
• Traps regarding the status of the body: ASI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Culture, not an independent international agency.

One-Minute Revision Notes

• First Sermon: Delivered at Sarnath (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).
• Artistic Style: Sarnath School is associated with the Gupta Period, noted for spiritual, idealized human forms.
• Major Structures: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Lion Capital.
• Governing Law: ASI manages sites under the AMASR Act.
• Cultural Significance: Part of the Buddhist Circuit; key to India's cultural soft power.

Practice MCQ for Prelims

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sarnath School of sculpture:

1. It flourished during the Mauryan period under the patronage of Ashoka.

2. The sculptures are characterized by a serene, spiritual expression and the use of sandstone.

3. The figures typically exhibit heavy, robust anatomy similar to the Gandhara school.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: B

Explanation: The Sarnath school flourished during the Gupta period, not the Mauryan period (Statement 1 is incorrect). The sculptures are known for their spiritual, serene expression and use of local sandstone (Statement 2 is correct). Unlike the Gandhara school, which used grey schist and displayed muscular anatomy, the Sarnath school is known for graceful, slim, and idealized forms (Statement 3 is incorrect).