Jainism for UPSC: Mahavira, Tirthankaras, Teachings, Sects, Councils and PYQs
Jainism for UPSC: Mahavira and the 24 Tirthankaras, triratna and five vows, anekantavada and syadvada, Digambara vs Svetambara, councils, texts and real…
Buddhism & Jainism
Buddhism & Jainism (Ancient & Medieval History).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1 History; Mains GS1 (culture)
Explainers
Buddhism for UPSC: Life of the Buddha, Teachings, Councils, Sects, Art and PYQs
Buddhism for UPSC: life of the Buddha, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, four Buddhist councils, Hinayana vs Mahayana, mudras, sites and real…
In the news
Sarnath inscribed as India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site
On 25 July 2026 the 48th World Heritage Committee in Busan inscribed the "Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath" on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is India's 45th property. The serial site in Varanasi covers Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Sarnath; WH list count.
25 Jul 2026
Relics of the Buddha’s chief disciples enshrined for exposition in Mongolia
The holy relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the Buddha's two chief disciples, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar on Buddha Purnima (Vesak) 2026. Brought from India for a ten-day exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026, they arrived on a special IAF IL-76 aircraft and had travelled abroad only once before, to Thailand in 2024.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Buddha's disciples, relic sites.
31 May 2026
2nd Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi
Buddhist heritage is now a regular part of India's cultural diplomacy.
UPSC angle: Prelims: IBC.
17 Jan 2026
Piprahwa relics exposition opens in Delhi
Repatriation of heritage is now a steady theme; link this to the July 2025 return of the relics.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Piprahwa.
3 Jan 2026
Piprahwa relics to go on display from 3 January 2026
Bringing back and showing relics is part of India's Buddhist outreach to East and South-East Asia.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Piprahwa, Shakyas.
31 Dec 2025
20th International Tipitaka Chanting at Bodhgaya
Hosting such events strengthens India's place as the home of Buddhist sites.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Tipitaka, Pali.
16 Nov 2025