Museum
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
One of India's most important archaeological museums, preserving sculptures and the famous Lion Capital associated with Ashoka.
About Sarnath Archaeological Museum
The Sarnath Archaeological Museum, opened in 1910, is the oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. It holds the finds from the excavations at Sarnath, and its centrepiece is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, four lions set back to back and carved in polished sandstone in the third century BCE to crown the pillar marking the place of the Buddha's first sermon.
The Lion Capital is India's national emblem. Another highlight is a seated Buddha of the Gupta period, shown preaching that first sermon, one of the masterpieces of Indian sculpture.
Sarnath Archaeological Museum At A Glance
- Location
- Sarnath, Varanasi
- Type
- Museum
- Heritage Status
- Archaeological museum
- Entry
- Arranged by your guide on the day
Good To Know
Visiting Sarnath Archaeological Museum
Where is the original Lion Capital of Ashoka?
- Here, in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. The broken pillar it once crowned still stands in the excavated site nearby.
Can I take photographs inside the museum?
- No, photography isn't allowed in the galleries, and bags are left in lockers at the entrance.
Nearby
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