This volume attempts a reconstruction of the different Buddhist traditions that evolved at Sarnath between the preaching of the Four Noble Truths (sixth century bce) and the construction of Dharmachakrajina Vihara (twelfth century ce) in the early medieval age. Sarnath is one of the eight centres of Buddhism. This volume attempts an objective assessment of the history, rise and decline of Sarnath by studying archaeological, epigraphic and literary sources. It explores the religious traditions, origin and geomorphological construction of the S?rn?th region, dhammacakkapabattana, its religious and architectural symbolism and patronage. The probable causes of the decline of Buddhism at S?rn?th have also been discussed in the context of Chinese, Indian and Persian sources, and archaeological reports.