Culture ยท GS1
Sarnath enters the UNESCO World Heritage List
One line
UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath as India's 45th World Heritage property.
Summary
Sarnath is associated with the Buddha's first sermon and the start of the Sangha. Listing adds conservation duties and visitor pressure.
PYQ pattern
UPSC often tests the static concept behind this development and its implementation limits. Use the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- The property includes Chaukhandi Stupa and major archaeological remains at Sarnath.
- Sarnath is near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
- Dharmachakra Pravartana refers to the first sermon.
Prelims lens
- The World Heritage Convention dates to 1972.
- A site may be cultural, natural, or mixed.
- Read the announcement separately from measured outcomes.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- The World Heritage Convention dates to 1972.
- UNESCO inscription transfers sovereignty over the site.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 makes a claim that the source or static concept does not support.
MCQ 2
Sarnath is associated with:
- A. The Buddha's first sermon
- B. The Buddha's birth
- C. Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar
- D. The Third Battle of Panipat
Reveal answerHide answer
A
The Buddha's first sermon is the correct relationship in this context.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: How should India manage tourism after a World Heritage inscription?
Approach:
- Define the institution, mechanism, or indicator.
- Explain its current significance.
- Examine implementation limits and trade-offs.
- Suggest specific institutional or policy measures.