Includes bibliographical references and index.

The history of Sarnath goes back to fourth century BCE till twelfth century CE. The book contains the comparative study of monuments at. Sarnath with the descriptions of Xuan-Zang and further with the archival records in the form of paintings, lithographs, line drawings and photographs. The harms occurred by humans or by nature is well documented. A beautiful collection of images related with Buddhism, Jainism and Brahmanism; their changing paradigm, significance of the Lord's hand postures and panels showing his life-scenes are described in this book with rare photographs. The terracotta figurines, seals, sealings and beads of different materials, bricks, arches and kirtimukhas are never given due importance before. Along with these hundreds of small votive stupas of stone and terracotta are duly categorized and described with their purpose of construction, plan & photographs, etc. The excavations carried out have ample proof of Sarnath being a manufacturing cum factory site, which is first time dealt with in this book.

Sarnath has the honour of securing Lord Buddha's holy relics in its premises and the history behind its expedition from Lord's parinirvana at Kuginagar to Sarnath is narrated in the book. The place is marked with memorial edifices by the great Mauryan king Agoka and further by Kaniska, Kumaragupta, Sthirpal, Vasantpal, Kumaradevi, etc. The bibliography, rare photographs and line drawings are very conscious and exhausting efforts to provide a complete picture of Sarnath. We wish that this book will be fruitful for the scholars, researchers, pilgrims, tourists and visitors alike.