Country | India |
Population | 542 |
Area | 82 km2 (32 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 25.31668, 83.01041 |
Highest elevation | 80.71 m (264.80 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Varanasi, also known as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi, is a city situated on the banks of the Ganges River in northern India. It holds a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world, making it one of the most revered and visited cities in India. Located in the middle-Ganges valley in southeastern Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi lies on the left bank of the river, about 692 kilometers (430 miles) southeast of New Delhi and 320 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow. It is also 121 kilometers (75 miles) downstream of Prayagraj, where the Ganges meets the Yamuna River, another major Hindu pilgrimage site.
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Its ancient name, Kashi, was associated with a kingdom of the same name over 2,500 years ago. The city’s historical significance is highlighted by the nearby Sarnath, where the Lion capital of Ashoka commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon in the fifth century BCE. In the 8th century, Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect in Varanasi, further cementing its religious importance. The city was also home to significant figures of the Bhakti movement, such as Kabir and Ravidas, and Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramcharitmanas in Varanasi.
In the 16th century, Rajput nobles serving the Mughal emperor Akbar sponsored the construction and enhancement of major temples in Varanasi, including the prominent Shiva temple. These temples display an architectural style that reflects the influence of the Mughal Empire. Under British rule, Varanasi became a subordinate kingdom under the East India Company in 1775 and later part of the Benares Division, North-Western Provinces, United Provinces, and eventually Uttar Pradesh.
Geographically, Varanasi’s location on the Ganges River makes it a significant center for religious rituals. The city is famous for its ghats—steps leading down the steep riverbank to the water—where pilgrims perform various religious ceremonies. Among the notable ghats are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat, the latter two being primary sites for Hindu cremations. The Hindu genealogy registers of Varanasi are also maintained here.
Culturally, Varanasi is a melting pot of Hindu and Islamic traditions. The city’s syncretic tradition of Islamic artisanship underpins its religious tourism. Varanasi is renowned for its educational and musical heritage, having been a center for learning and culture for centuries. The Benares gharana, a form of Hindustani classical music, originated here, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians have lived or studied in Varanasi. In the 20th century, notable figures such as the Hindi-Urdu writer Premchand and the shehnai player Bismillah Khan were associated with the city.
The city’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from silk weaving, carpet making, crafts, and tourism. The Banaras Locomotive Works and Bharat Heavy Electricals are major industrial employers in the area. Varanasi is also known for its educational institutions, such as the Benares Sanskrit College, founded in 1791, and the Central Hindu College, founded by Annie Besant in 1898. The Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916 by Besant and Madan Mohan Malviya, is India’s first modern residential university. Kashi Vidyapith, founded in 1921, was a response to Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-cooperation movement.
Varanasi’s urban landscape is a mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, and modern infrastructure. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Durga Temple are some of the city’s most revered religious sites. The city’s narrow winding streets are filled with vendors selling everything from silk saris to brassware, reflecting Varanasi’s rich craft tradition.
In summary, Varanasi is a city where history, culture, and spirituality converge. Its ancient heritage, religious significance, cultural richness, and educational prominence make it a unique and vibrant place. Whether exploring its historical landmarks, participating in its religious ceremonies, or experiencing its lively markets, Varanasi offers an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
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