Context
The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the World Heritage List at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea. It became India’s 45th World Heritage property, comprising 37 cultural, seven natural and one mixed property.
Explanation
- Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is where Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dharmachakra Pravartana, to five disciples and founded the Buddhist Sangha.
- The four principal pilgrimage sites are Lumbini—birth, Bodh Gaya—enlightenment, Sarnath—first sermon and Kushinagar—Mahaparinirvana.
- The serial property includes Chaukhandi Stupa and an archaeological complex containing Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara and the Ashokan Pillar.
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed it under criteria (iii)—cultural tradition and (vi)—association with significant events or beliefs.
- India ratified the 1972 World Heritage Convention in 1977; the Convention identifies and protects cultural and natural properties possessing Outstanding Universal Value.
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