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Isipatana, Rishipatana or as it is more popularly known Sarnath had always been a centre for spiritual aspiration and learning. Once the Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in present day Bodhgaya, his first objective was to find his five companions and tell them of his acheievement. This he did at Sarnath and it is known as the first turning of the wheel of Dharma. Though this site had been badly damaged during the Turkish Muslim inversion of the 12th century and inter pillaged for building materials in the 18th century, still much is left to be seen here. Many artifacts especially the famous Ashokan lion capitals are to be found in the museum here. This book by B.C. Bhattacharya provided us with a complete history of this historic site up to the present day. It is a book that may be used by the student or traveler who wishes to know more about this ancient site.