Sarnath on UNESCO radar, ASI prepares to install ‘corrected’ plaque to show local role, Pg 18.

Key Highlights:

• Sarnath, a Buddhist site near Varanasi, has been nominated by India for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing to install a "corrected" plaque at Sarnath.
• The new plaque will credit Babu Jagat Singh's family for first exposing Sarnath's archaeological importance in 1787-88.
• The current plaque credits Mr. Duncan and Col E Mackenzie in 1798 AD.
• ASI had "corrected" another plaque at the Dharmarajika Stupa earlier this year.
• India officially nominated Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2025-26 cycle.

Detailed Insights:

• Babu Jagat Singh belonged to the family of the erstwhile Benares ruler Chait Singh.
• The proposal challenges the perception that British archaeologists and officers preserved the site.
• Pradeep Narayan Singh, a descendant of Jagat Singh, requested ASI to revise the cultural notice board.
• Jagat Singh ordered digging at the ancient mound to procure material for constructing a building.
• A casket with Buddhist relics was found at the site, parts of which are with the Asiatic Society in Kolkata.
• The revised plaque at Dharmarajika Stupa omits descriptions of Jagat Singh as a "diwan" and "destroyer".
• B.R. Mani's excavation aimed to understand what happened at Sarnath between Buddha and Ashoka.
• Sarnath is connected with Jainism, and the Ashoka pillar represents the country’s national emblem.
• The Ministry of Culture issued legal notices to Sotheby’s Hong Kong to stop the auction of Buddhist relics.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural monuments in the country.
• UNESCO World Heritage List: A list maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) comprising sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity.
• Dharmarajika Stupa: A significant ancient Buddhist monument located in Sarnath, India.