UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — “Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath” Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Q1. With reference to the inscription of the “Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath” on the UNESCO World Heritage List, consider the following statements: 1. It was inscribed at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, Republic of Korea. 2. It became India's 45th property on the World Heritage List. 3. It was inscribed under cultural criteria (iii) and (vi). 4. Following the inscription, India rose to 3rd rank in the world in the number of World Heritage Sites. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It was inscribed at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, Republic of Korea.
  2. It became India's 45th property on the World Heritage List.
  3. It was inscribed under cultural criteria (iii) and (vi).
  4. Following the inscription, India rose to 3rd rank in the world in the number of World Heritage Sites.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q2. Consider the following statements comparing the inscription of the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath with an earlier Indian inscription: 1. Sarnath (2026) is India's 45th World Heritage Site, while the Maratha Military Landscapes inscribed in 2025 were India's 44th. 2. Both Sarnath and the Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed as cultural properties. 3. The session of the World Heritage Committee at which Sarnath was inscribed was the one hosted by India in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Sarnath (2026) is India's 45th World Heritage Site, while the Maratha Military Landscapes inscribed in 2025 were India's 44th.
  2. Both Sarnath and the Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed as cultural properties.
  3. The session of the World Heritage Committee at which Sarnath was inscribed was the one hosted by India in New Delhi.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Consider the following statements about Sarnath in relation to the principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites: 1. Sarnath is associated with the Buddha's first sermon, whereas Bodh Gaya is associated with his enlightenment. 2. After Sarnath's inscription, three of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites are on the World Heritage List. 3. Kushinagar, associated with the Buddha's parinirvana, was inscribed on the World Heritage List together with Sarnath in 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Sarnath is associated with the Buddha's first sermon, whereas Bodh Gaya is associated with his enlightenment.
  2. After Sarnath's inscription, three of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites are on the World Heritage List.
  3. Kushinagar, associated with the Buddha's parinirvana, was inscribed on the World Heritage List together with Sarnath in 2026.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following statements about the custodianship and conservation of the Sarnath monuments is correct?

  • A. The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal custodian that carries out excavation and conservation at Sarnath.
  • B. The Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department is the sole authority managing the Sarnath monuments.
  • C. The Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture, is the custodian responsible for the conservation of the Sarnath monuments.
  • D. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs maintains the Sarnath monuments as an urban heritage precinct.

Q5. In the context of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, the term 'abacus' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. The inverted bell-shaped lotus base on which the whole capital rests.
  • B. The drum-shaped platform beneath the lions, bearing four animals in relief separated by wheels.
  • C. The crowning wheel (chakra) that once surmounted the group of four lions.
  • D. The monolithic polished sandstone shaft of the pillar rising from the ground.

Q6. How many animals are carved in relief on the abacus of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath?

  • A. Three
  • B. Four
  • C. Five
  • D. Six

Q7. In which year was the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

  • A. 1983
  • B. 1989
  • C. 2002
  • D. 2016

Q8. Consider the following Indian Buddhist World Heritage Sites and their years of inscription: 1. Ajanta Caves — 1983 2. Ellora Caves — 1983 3. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 1989 4. Nalanda Mahavihara — 1989 Which of the above are correctly identified?

  1. Ajanta Caves — 1983
  2. Ellora Caves — 1983
  3. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 1989
  4. Nalanda Mahavihara — 1989
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q9. With reference to India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites position following the inscription of Sarnath, consider the following statements: 1. India now has a total of 45 World Heritage Sites. 2. India ranks 6th in the world by the number of World Heritage Sites. 3. India ranks 1st in the Asia-Pacific region by the number of World Heritage Sites. 4. India has 69 sites on its Tentative List. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. India now has a total of 45 World Heritage Sites.
  2. India ranks 6th in the world by the number of World Heritage Sites.
  3. India ranks 1st in the Asia-Pacific region by the number of World Heritage Sites.
  4. India has 69 sites on its Tentative List.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 2, 3 and 4

Q10. Consider the following pairs of Indian World Heritage Sites and their categories: 1. Khangchendzonga National Park — Mixed site 2. Kaziranga National Park — Natural site 3. Great Himalayan National Park — Natural site 4. Sun Temple, Konark — Natural site Which of the pairs given above is/are NOT correctly matched?

  1. Khangchendzonga National Park — Mixed site
  2. Kaziranga National Park — Natural site
  3. Great Himalayan National Park — Natural site
  4. Sun Temple, Konark — Natural site
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4

Q11. Nominations of cultural properties such as Sarnath are evaluated for the World Heritage Committee by which one of the following advisory bodies?

  • A. IUCN
  • B. ICCROM
  • C. ICOM
  • D. ICOMOS

Q12. The Archaeological Survey of India, the custodian of the Sarnath monuments, functions under which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Culture
  • B. Ministry of Tourism
  • C. Ministry of Education
  • D. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs