In which Indian city, near the sacred site of Sarnath, is the famous Dhamek Stupa located?

Introduction / Context:
Dhamek Stupa is an important Buddhist monument associated with the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is a frequent question in Indian geography and culture exams because it links religion, history, and location based knowledge. Knowing where Dhamek Stupa is located helps learners connect key Buddhist sites and understand India as a major centre of Buddhist heritage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The monument under discussion is Dhamek Stupa.
• Dhamek Stupa is connected with early Buddhism and the first sermon of the Buddha.
• The options list four major Indian cities.
• We assume basic awareness that Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage centre near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Concept / Approach:
To answer this question, recall that Sarnath is one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Gautama Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon to his five disciples. Dhamek Stupa is the prominent stone and brick structure marking this sacred spot. Sarnath is located very close to Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Among the given options, only Varanasi is associated directly with Sarnath and Dhamek Stupa. Pune, Delhi, and Hyderabad are major cities but do not host this particular structure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites: Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. Step 2: Remember that Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and Dhamek Stupa marks this event. Step 3: Connect Sarnath with its nearby big city, which is Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Step 4: Check each option and identify which city is associated with Sarnath and Dhamek Stupa. Step 5: Conclude that Varanasi is the correct city for the location of Dhamek Stupa.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this information by checking any tourism brochure, history textbook, or reliable online source about Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Sarnath is always described as near Varanasi, and Dhamek Stupa is a central monument there. Travel routes for pilgrims also mention reaching Sarnath via Varanasi by road. No standard source links this stupa with Pune, Delhi, or Hyderabad, which confirms that Varanasi is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pune: A major city in Maharashtra, known for educational institutions and Maratha history, not for Dhamek Stupa.
• Delhi: India's capital city has many historical monuments, but Dhamek Stupa is not one of them.
• Hyderabad: Known for Charminar and Golconda Fort, it is not related to Sarnath or Dhamek Stupa.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse different Buddhist sites or assume that every major monument must be in Delhi due to its capital status. Others may know only Bodh Gaya in Bihar and confuse it with Sarnath. To avoid such mistakes, always associate Dhamek Stupa with Sarnath and Sarnath with Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Final Answer:
Dhamek Stupa is located near Sarnath in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India.