Houses the Ashokan Lion Capital and Buddhist sculpture from the Sarnath excavations.
The Sarnath Archaeological Museum stands beside the Sarnath Archaeological Park, about ten kilometres from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It was built in 1910 to house the finds from excavations at the Buddhist site, and it is the oldest site museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India. The building has a red-brick, monastery-like design in the form of a cross, with a central hall and galleries around it. The collection holds antiquities dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE, covering the Mauryan, Shunga, Kushan, Gupta and later medieval periods.
The best-known object is the Ashokan Lion Capital, a polished sandstone sculpture of four lions standing back to back above a circular abacus decorated with an elephant, a horse, a bull and a lion separated by wheels. The capital topped a pillar erected by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, and the Republic of India adopted it as the state emblem. Another highlight is the seated Buddha teaching the first sermon, in the Gupta style of the 5th century, carved from Chunar sandstone with a fine halo and a serene face. The collection also includes bodhisattva figures, a large standing Bodhisattva with an inscribed umbrella from the Kushan period, architectural fragments, a parasol, railings, pottery, terracotta and inscriptions, and relics from the Dhamek Stupa and monasteries.
The galleries are arranged roughly chronologically and by theme across several halls, giving a view of the development of Buddhist sculpture from the Mauryan period through the Gupta period, when the Sarnath school was most influential. Labelling is in English and Hindi, and the display is classical, with objects on plinths and in glass cases. Photography inside is generally not allowed. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the museum, and the building and its objects have been conserved. A visit is best made with the park, so that visitors can match the finds to the ruins where they were found. The museum is closed on Fridays and gets crowded around midday.
| Admission | About ₹100 (~$1.0) foreigners |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Fridays |
| Address | Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007 |
Location
Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
25.3809, 83.0222 View on map
Highlights
- The Ashokan Lion Capital, India's national emblem
- Gupta-period seated Buddha teaching the first sermon
- Kushan-period bodhisattva with inscribed umbrella
- Architectural fragments and relics from the Dhamek Stupa and monasteries
Tips for visiting
- Start with the Lion Capital in the main hall, then work through the side galleries
- Visit after the park to link the finds to the ruins
- The museum is closed on Fridays, so plan around that
- Photography is generally not permitted; check at the entrance
- Go in the morning to avoid crowds around the lion capital
Accessibility
The museum has a ground-level entrance and mostly flat floors, so wheelchair users can reach the main galleries. Ramp provision at individual doorways may vary, so check at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Around 45 minutes to an hour covers the main galleries.
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Yes, the labels and information are in English and Hindi.
Can it be visited with children?
Yes, the museum is small and easy to walk, but children should not touch the displays.