"Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath" Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List

📌 Summary:

• "Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath" inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Busan, South Korea — India's 45th World Heritage property (2025-26 nomination cycle)
• Serial property has two components: Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Ashokan Pillar), located within Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Sarnath — also known as Rishipatana, Ishipatana and Mrigadava — is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in the 6th century BCE, the "Turning of the Wheel of Law" (Dharmachakra Pravartana), marking the founding of the Buddhist Sangha and the Noble Eightfold Path
• One of the four key Buddhist pilgrimage sites indicated by the Buddha himself

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS1 Art & Culture — Buddhist architecture and stupas, and India's growing list of UNESCO World Heritage properties.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 48th World Heritage Committee session held at Busan, South Korea
• Components: Chaukhandi Stupa + Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Ashokan Pillar
• Sarnath = site of Buddha's first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)

🔑 Key Term: Dharmachakra Pravartana — the Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath that "set the Wheel of Law in motion", establishing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.