Sarnath
Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India
Why in news
Sep 2026
This ancient Buddhist site became India's 45th World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan. The ancient Buddhist site of the Buddha's first sermon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session in Busan, becoming India's 45th such site.
Jul 2026
This ancient Buddhist site became India's 45th World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan. The ancient Buddhist site of the Buddha's first sermon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session in Busan, becoming India's 45th such site.
Key facts
- This ancient Buddhist site became India's 45th World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan. The ancient Buddhist site of the Buddha's first sermon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session in Busan, becoming India's 45th such site.
UPSC relevance
Prelims
Prelims may ask its location and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Mains
Mains (GS-1): art, culture and heritage conservation.
Asked in UPSC
2025, 2023, 2008, 1998, 1997, 1996
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sarnath in the news?
Jul 2026: This ancient Buddhist site became India's 45th World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan. The ancient Buddhist site of the Buddha's first sermon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session in Busan, becoming India's 45th such site. Sep 2026: This ancient Buddhist site became India's 45th World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan. The ancient Buddhist site of the Buddha's first sermon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session in Busan, becoming India's 45th such site.
Why is Sarnath important for UPSC?
Prelims may ask its location and UNESCO World Heritage status. Mains (GS-1): art, culture and heritage conservation.
Last updated: 2026-10-09