Sarnath UPSC Notes: History, Importance, and Key Facts

SARNATH

1. Location

Uttar Pradesh, -10 km from Varanasi.

Near the confluence of Ganga and Varuna rivers.

2. Historical Significance

Deer Park (Rishipattana/Mrigadava): Site of Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) after enlightenment (c. 528 BCE).

One of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites (Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar).

3. Importance in Buddhism

Birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha.

First 5 disciples (Pancavaggiya) ordained here.

Site where "Middle Path" (Madhyama Pratipada) was taught.

4. Mauryan Period

Emperor Ashoka (c. 272–232 BCE):

Visited Sarnath.

Built Dhamek Stupa.

Erected the famous Ashokan Pillar (Lion Capital).

Spread Buddhism through stone edicts.

Lion Capital of Ashoka: Now India’s National Emblem (adopted 1950).

5. Gupta Period (4th–6th CE)

Sarnath reached architectural and artistic peak.

Construction of:

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara

Dharmarajika Stupa

Beautiful Gupta-style sculptures (noted for grace and serenity).

Patronage by rulers like Kumaragupta & Skandagupta.

6. Decline

Declined after 12th century CE due to Turk invasions (esp. Qutb al-Din Aibak’s generals).

Monasteries and stupas destroyed.

Lost prominence until rediscovered in the 19th century.

7. British Excavation (19th Century)

Alexander Cunningham & Sir John Marshall excavated ruins.

Reconstructed Ashokan Pillar fragments.

Site museum established in 1905 (houses Ashokan Lion Capital, sculptures).

8. Present-Day Significance

Active pilgrimage site for Buddhists (esp. from Sri Lanka, Japan, Tibet).

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara (modern) built by Maha Bodhi Society in 1931.

UNESCO World Heritage status proposed, not yet granted.

Memory Tip (Mnemonic): "SARNATH"

S – Sermon First (Buddha)

A – Ashoka's Pillar & Stupa

R – Rishipattana (Deer Park)

N – National Emblem origin

A – Artistic Gupta sculptures

T – Turk invasion led to decline

H – Heritage revived by British

Here are 5 UPSC-level objective questions (MCQs) based on the Sarnath summary:

Q1. Which of the following events is associated with Sarnath?

A) Buddha’s birth

B) Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana

C) Buddha’s Enlightenment

D) Buddha’s First Sermon

Answer: D) Buddha’s First Sermon

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath:

1. It was originally installed by Emperor Ashoka.

2. Its capital features four lions standing back-to-back.

3. It was adopted as the National Emblem of India in 1947.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2 and 3

D) 1 and 3 only

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

(Adopted as National Emblem in 1950)

Q3. Match the following:

Site/Monument Associated Ruler/Dynasty

1. Dhamek Stupa A. Ashoka

2. Mulagandha Kuti Vihara B. Gupta Dynasty

3. Sarnath Sculptures C. Maha Bodhi Society

Options:

A) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B

B) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C

C) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B

D) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C

Answer: A) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B

Q4. With reference to Buddhist sites in India, consider the following pairs:

Site Significance

Lumbini -Enlightenment

Bodh Gaya -Birth

Kushinagar -Mahaparinirvana

Sarnath -First Sermon

Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 and 4 only

C) 4 only

D) 3, 4 only

Answer: B) 3 and 4 only

(Lumbini – Birth; Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment)

Q5. Which of the following statements about Sarnath during the Gupta period is/are correct?

1. Sarnath became a flourishing center of Buddhist art.

2. Sculptures from this period are noted for their spiritual expression and refined style.

3. Emperor Samudragupta is credited with building the Dharmarajika Stupa.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) All of the above

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

(Dharmarajika Stupa predates the Guptas, built by Ashoka)