Sarnath Buddhist site inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List

India’s Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO said on Saturday (25 July).

The session is being held from July 19 to 29.

Vishal V Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, said Sarnath remained a site of reflection for more than 500 million Buddhists worldwide and inspired young people to seek truth, embrace non-violence, pursue mindful living and become responsible global citizens.

He also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Sarnath holds a unique place in world history as the sacred site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma and establishing the Buddhist Sangha.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka, discovered at Sarnath and adopted as India’s national emblem, further enhances the site's historical significance, the delegation said.

The inscription recognises India's enduring civilisational heritage and the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony embodied in the Buddha's teachings, it said.

With the addition of Sarnath, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage properties, comprising 37 cultural, seven natural and one mixed site.

The delegation congratulated India's Ministry of Culture, the ASI, the Uttar Pradesh government and all experts and stakeholders involved in preparing the nomination dossier.

It also thanked the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and members of the World Heritage Committee for their support during the inscription process.