Sarnath joins Unesco World Heritage list

NEW DELHI: India’s ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List Saturday, becoming India’s 45th site to receive this recognition. India ranks sixth globally and second in Asia Pacific Region for the most number of ‘World Heritage Sites’.Sarnath was included in the tentative list in 1998. The proposal to include the site in the list of world heritage was sent for consideration of the World Heritage Committee in Jan 2025. The decision on the inscription was taken at 48th session of the committee under way in South Korea.The Unesco tag will cover the Chaukhandi Stupa and archaeological remains of Sarnath, located about 626m apart. The Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates Buddha’s meeting with his five companions after enlightenment, while the archaeological complex includes Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, the Ashokan Pillar and extensive monastic remains.PM Modi lauded the historic milestone on X. “A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath has been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List.”