Sarnath Heritage Plaque Revision and UNESCO Nomination

Context

• What happened?
  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will install a new plaque at Sarnath crediting Raja Jagat Singh (a local ruler) instead of the British for preserving the holy Buddhist site.
• Why in news?
  This is part of India’s proposal to list Sarnath on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list (2025–26 cycle).
• Background:
  Sarnath, ~10 km from Varanasi, is where Buddha gave his first sermon in 528 BCE. Ashoka built stupas/monasteries here. Later sacked (12th century). Rediscovered during colonial excavations (18th–19th century).

Relevance

• GS1: Indian culture – Buddhist heritage, architecture, historical sites.
• GS3: Tourism economy, sustainable heritage management.

Key Facts & Data

• ASI change: Corrected attribution → Raja Jagat Singh, not British archaeologists.
• Ashoka (268–232 BCE): Built pillars/stupas; Lion Capital at Sarnath became India’s National Emblem.
• Destruction: 12th century sack; major decline after invasions (cited: Qutb-ud-din Aibek’s forces).
• Rediscovery: 1799 Jonathan Duncan; 1836 Cunningham excavations; 1904–05 F.O. Oertel systematic excavation.
• Findings: 476 architectural and sculptural relics + 41 inscriptions in one season (Oertel).
• UNESCO Nomination: Tentative list, 27-year wait for inscription.

Raja Jagat Singh

• Identity: Raja Jagat Singh, also called Babu Jagat Singh, was a prominent 18th-century figure in Banaras (Varanasi), holding administrative control (tahud) over parganas including Shivpur, which encompassed Sarnath.
• Historical Role: In 1793–94, he initiated excavations at the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, primarily to obtain building materials for a market in Banaras named after him.
• Discoveries: During the excavations, he uncovered a relic casket containing bones, pearls, and gold leaves, which were later discarded into the Ganges.
• Legacy: The stupa became locally known as the “Jagat Singh Stupa” due to his involvement.
• Misrepresentation: Over time, colonial and later narratives misrepresented him as a vandal, overshadowing his role in preserving and highlighting Sarnath’s archaeological significance.
• Modern Recognition: Recent research and efforts by the Jagat Singh Raj Pariwar Shodh Samiti clarified his contributions. The ASI installed a corrected plaque at the Dhamek Stupa crediting him, aligning with India’s 2025–26 UNESCO World Heritage nomination for Sarnath.
• Significance: His actions helped bring Sarnath’s Buddhist heritage to broader attention, supporting heritage preservation and cultural diplomacy.

Sarnath Heritage Site

• Historical Significance: Site of Buddha’s first sermon (528 BCE) → Birthplace of the “Dharmachakra” (Wheel of Dharma) → foundational to Buddhist philosophy.
• Ashokan Contributions: Ashoka (268–232 BCE) built stupas, monasteries, and the iconic Ashokan Pillar → Lion Capital later became India’s National Emblem.
• Medieval Decline: Sacked in the 12th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s forces → led to centuries of neglect and decline.
• Colonial Rediscovery: Excavations by Jonathan Duncan (1799), Alexander Cunningham (1836), F.O. Oertel (1904–05) → recovered 476 architectural/sculptural relics + 41 inscriptions in one season.
• Archaeological Value: Contains stupas, monasteries, inscriptions, pillars, and relic caskets → provides insights into Mauryan, Gupta, and later periods.
• Cultural & Religious Importance: A major Buddhist pilgrimage site → promotes global Buddhist tourism and interfaith cultural understanding.
• UNESCO Nomination: Listed in India’s tentative list (2025–26) → potential World Heritage Site → global recognition, tourism boost, and conservation impetus.

Significance / Implications

• Polity & Governance:
  • National heritage recognition → assertion of indigenous credit (Raja Jagat Singh) instead of colonial narrative.
  • Strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy via UNESCO.
• Economy:
  • Tourism boost if UNESCO tag granted; global recognition of Buddhist circuit.
• Society:
  • Strengthens Buddhist identity and heritage preservation.
  • Corrects colonial historiography; promotes local ownership of history.
• Global/IR:
  • Soft power through Buddhist heritage diplomacy (esp. with SE Asia, East Asia).

Critical Analysis

• Core Message:
  Highlights transition from colonial credit to indigenous recognition; emphasis on historical continuity and rediscovery.
• Counter-Arguments / Missing Dimensions:
  • No discussion on present challenges of conservation (pollution, urban encroachment, mass tourism).
  • Ignores role of Buddhist communities in contemporary preservation.
  • Lacks detail on UNESCO evaluation criteria (authenticity, integrity, management).
• Ethical/Political Dilemma:
  • Rewriting plaques to correct colonial legacy vs. risking political overtones in historical crediting.

Conclusion

• Recognizing Raja Jagat Singh instead of colonial archaeologists asserts indigenous ownership and strengthens cultural diplomacy.
• UNESCO listing can boost tourism, preserve heritage, and promote sustainable management with community involvement.