Recent developments have brought fresh attention to Sarnath, the renowned Buddhist site near Varanasi. India has nominated it for the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2025-26. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to update the main plaque at Sarnath. This revision will credit the family of Babu Jagat Singh, a local ruler’s descendant, for uncovering the site’s archaeological significance, replacing earlier British-centric claims.
Historical Discovery and Plaque Correction
Previously, the plaque credited British officers like Mr Duncan and Col E Mackenzie for discovering Sarnath’s importance in 1798. New evidence shows that Jagat Singh’s family uncovered the site earlier, around 1787-88. Jagat Singh ordered excavations while procuring materials for construction. This led to the finding of Buddhist relics, now partly preserved at the Asiatic Society in Kolkata. ASI officials confirmed the plaque would be revised to reflect this corrected timeline and attribution.
Role of Babu Jagat Singh and Family
Jagat Singh belonged to the erstwhile Benares ruling family. His involvement challenges the colonial narrative that credited British archaeologists exclusively. The family has actively engaged with ASI to revise cultural notices and plaques, removing misleading descriptions. A research committee in Varanasi honours Jagat Singh’s legacy. The family’s efforts show local contributions to preserving India’s heritage before formal archaeological institutions existed.
Archaeological Research and Excavations
Scientific research at Sarnath began post-1861 under ASI’s establishment by Alexander Cunningham. Excavations by notable archaeologists followed, including Major Kittoe, FO Oertel, Sir John Marshall, and Dayaram Sahni. Recent digs by B R Mani in 2013-14 revealed continuous Buddhist activity at Sarnath predating Emperor Ashoka by over a century. Mani’s findings suggest the site was a vibrant religious centre long before Ashoka’s reign, revising earlier historical assumptions.
Sarnath’s Cultural and Religious Significance
Sarnath is famous as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It hosts numerous Buddhist structures from the 3rd century BC to the 11th century AD, making it the largest Buddhist ruin complex in India. The site also holds connections to Jainism. The Ashoka pillar at Sarnath symbolizes India’s national emblem. Multilingual plaques, including Japanese, cater to international visitors, reflecting Sarnath’s global religious importance.
India’s Heritage Diplomacy and Preservation Efforts
India promotes itself as the land of Buddha internationally. The nomination of Sarnath for UNESCO World Heritage status is part of this strategy. The Ministry of Culture recently issued legal notices to Sotheby’s Hong Kong to halt auctions of Buddhist relics, signalling India’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage. These efforts aim to safeguard and elevate India’s ancient religious sites on the world stage.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of local rulers and communities in preserving India’s archaeological heritage before British intervention, with examples.
- Examine the impact of UNESCO World Heritage status on the conservation and tourism of cultural sites in India, citing relevant cases.
- Analyse the challenges and strategies involved in protecting religious relics and artefacts in the context of global art markets and cultural diplomacy.
- With suitable examples, discuss the importance of revising historical narratives in archaeology and heritage management in post-colonial societies.
