Varanasi history

Varanasi, known in ancient times as Kashi ("City of Light"), is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. According to Hindu mythology, it was founded by Lord Shiva approximately 5,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations confirm that settlements existed at this site as early as the 11th–10th centuries BCE, with some findings pointing to an even earlier period — the 19th–18th centuries BCE. The name "Varanasi" originates from the names of two rivers, the Varuna and the Assi, which flow around the city and merge into the Ganges.

Several key factors contributed to the development and rise of Varanasi, defining its historical significance.

• Geographical Location: Its position on the fertile banks of the sacred river Ganges made the city a vital centre of pilgrimage. For Hindus, the Ganges is considered a celestial river that descended to earth, and bathing in its waters in Varanasi is seen as a way to cleanse away sins.
• Trade and Crafts: Since ancient times, the city has been a major commercial and industrial hub. It was renowned for the production of silk and muslin fabrics, particularly "Banaras" brocade with gold and silver threads, as well as incense, jewellery, and ivory carvings.
• Religious and Political Influence: Varanasi was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kashi and was considered the earthly abode of Shiva, making it the primary centre of Shaivism. The city attracted sages, philosophers, and ascetics, becoming a hub of Hindu culture, science, and education.

From ancient times, Varanasi was not just a city but a melting pot of cultures and religions. It is a sacred place not only for Hindus but also for Buddhists and Jains. It was in neighbouring Sarnath that the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. In the 9th century BCE, Parshvanatha — one of the most revered teachers in Jainism — was born in Varanasi. The city's economy flourished thanks to pilgrims and lively trade along the Ganges, which stimulated Varanasi's growth as one of the key port cities of ancient India.

Key Moments in History

The history of Varanasi is a continuous chronicle spanning millennia. The city has survived eras of prosperity and decline, remaining the unchanging spiritual heart of India. Here are some of the turning points in its centuries-old history.

• ~11th–10th centuries BCE — According to archaeological data, the first permanent settlements appear on this site, making Varanasi one of the oldest living cities in the world.
• 9th century BCE — The city becomes the birthplace of Parshvanatha, the 23rd spiritual teacher (Tirthankara) in Jainism, highlighting its early religious significance.
• 528 BCE — In neighbouring Sarnath, Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, delivers his first sermon, laying the foundations of Buddhist teaching.
• 4th–5th centuries CE — During the reign of the Gupta dynasty, Varanasi is definitively established as the main centre of Shaivism in India.
• 7th century — The famous Chinese monk and traveller Xuanzang visits the city and describes it as a major centre of religion, education, and the arts.
• 1194 — Troops of the Ghurid Sultanate under the command of Qutb al-Din Aibak capture the city, marking the beginning of a period involving the destruction of many Hindu temples.
• 1585 — During the reign of the tolerant Mughal Emperor Akbar, the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple was restored.
• 17th century — On the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb, many temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, were destroyed again, and the Gyanvapi Mosque was erected on the site of the main sanctuary.
• 18th century — With the strengthening of the Maratha Empire, an era of revival begins: temples and ghats are restored, and the city itself becomes the capital of a semi-independent princely state.
• 1916 — Banaras Hindu University is founded, which remains one of the country's leading educational institutions today.
• 1949 — The princely state of Varanasi officially joins the Republic of India, becoming an integral part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Stages of Formation and Development

The evolution of Varanasi is the story of an ancient pilgrimage site transforming into a multifaceted centre of trade, education, and tourism. The city developed not only as a spiritual capital but also as an important economic hub, adapting to the challenges of different eras.

• Establishment as a Weaving Centre (Ancient Period)
  Even before the Common Era, the city was famous for producing the finest muslin and silk. The formation of this craft tradition laid the city's economic foundation. Famous Banarasi sarees with gold thread became a major export item, securing the city's fame as a trading centre on the great Silk Road.
• Maratha Urban Reconstruction (18th Century)
  During this period, the city acquired its recognizable appearance. Thanks to the patronage of the rulers of the Maratha Empire, the Ganges embankment was reinforced with stone, and the famous ghats (steep steps leading to the water) were built. This massive construction turned the chaotic riverbank into a monumental architectural ensemble, which is the city's hallmark today.
• Integration into the Railway Network (1887)
  The opening of the Dufferin Bridge (now Malviya Bridge) across the Ganges was a revolutionary event for transport accessibility. The railway connected the city with major centres like Kolkata and Delhi. This drastically increased the flow of pilgrims and simplified the export of goods, integrating the local economy into the pan-Indian market.
• Creation of the University Campus (1916)
  The founding of Banaras Hindu University was an important milestone in expanding the city's boundaries. The construction of a huge campus on the southern outskirts not only made the city a centre of modern education but also set a new vector for urban development beyond the old, crowded quarters.
• Industrialization and the DLW Plant (1961)
  The opening of the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) marked a transition to heavy industry. This enterprise became the region's largest employer, attracting thousands of engineers and workers, which contributed to population growth and infrastructure modernization.
• Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project (2021)
  A large-scale renovation of the historic centre, connecting the city's main temple directly to the Ganges embankment. The demolition of cramped buildings and the creation of a spacious pedestrian zone became the most significant urban intervention in recent centuries, designed to improve logistics for the millions of tourists and pilgrims visiting this region, for which India is famous.

The architectural appearance of Varanasi is a unique and complex interweaving of eras, styles, and cultures, shaped by its spiritual significance and turbulent history. Unlike many other ancient cities, there is no strict layout here; its heart is a labyrinth of narrow streets (galis), temples, and the famous ghats descending to the sacred river Ganges.

Antiquity and Muslim Influence

Despite Varanasi being one of the oldest cities in the world, ancient buildings have practically not survived. This is due to numerous destructions during the period of Muslim conquests, starting from the 12th century. Temples and shrines were destroyed multiple times, and mosques were erected in their place, such as the Gyanvapi Mosque, built on the site of the destroyed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. However, the structure of the old city itself — chaotic and oriented towards the river — was formed precisely during these early periods.

Revival under the Marathas (18th Century)

The modern architectural landscape of Varanasi is largely a legacy of the 18th century, when a period of active city revival began with the strengthening of the Maratha Empire. Maratha rulers and noble families financed the large-scale construction of temples and ghats, striving to restore Hindu shrines. It was during this era that the famous appearance of the Ganges embankment was formed.

• Architectural Style: Buildings of this period represent a synthesis of Hindu temple traditions and elements of Mughal architecture. They are characterized by carved balconies (jharokhas), domed pavilions (chhatris), inner courtyards, and the use of sandstone.
• Iconic Structures: The current Kashi Vishwanath Temple was rebuilt in 1785 on the initiative of the Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar. Most of the ghats, including famous ones like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, were also built or rebuilt during this time.

Colonial and Modern Periods

During the British Raj era, new types of buildings appeared in Varanasi. In the cantonment area, where colonial authorities were stationed, administrative buildings and Christian churches were built. An important monument of this time is Banaras Hindu University (1916), the campus of which is a vivid example of the Indo-Saracenic style, combining European, Mughal, and Hindu motifs. In the city's modern history, one of the most significant urban planning projects was the creation of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor — a massive transformation of the space around the main temple for the convenience of millions of pilgrims.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Varanasi

Varanasi, being a spiritual and cultural centre for millennia, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many great saints, thinkers, musicians, and national heroes of India. Their legacy is inextricably woven into the history and atmosphere of this ancient city.

• Parshvanatha (9th century BCE) — Religious reformer. The 23rd Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism, born in Varanasi. He is one of the key figures in the formation of Jain teaching, which, along with Hinduism and Buddhism, has deep roots in this land.
• Kabir (15th century) — Mystic poet and saint. One of the greatest figures of the Bhakti movement, whose life and work were spent in Varanasi. He preached the unity of God and criticized the caste system and formal rituals in both Hinduism and Islam. His verses remain popular throughout India to this day.
• Tulsidas (1532–1623) — Poet and philosopher. A great saint and author of the epic poem "Ramcharitmanas" — a retelling of the "Ramayana" in the Awadhi language accessible to the common people. He spent most of his life in Varanasi, where, according to legend, he founded the famous Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
• Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858) — National heroine of India. Born in Varanasi under the name Manikarnika. Becoming the ruler of the princely state of Jhansi, she became one of the most courageous leaders of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and a symbol of the struggle for independence.
• Premchand (1880–1936) — Writer and playwright. One of the founders of modern literature in Hindi and Urdu, he spent his final years and died in Varanasi. In his works, such as the novel "Godaan" (The Gift of a Cow), he realistically depicted the social problems of Indian society.
• Ravi Shankar (1920–2012) — Musician, sitar virtuoso. Born in Varanasi, he became one of the most world-renowned Indian musicians of the 20th century. Through his talent and collaboration with Western musicians, including George Harrison of The Beatles, he introduced the world to Indian classical music.
• Bismillah Khan (1916–2006) — Musician, shehnai master. He lived his entire life in Varanasi and was inextricably linked with this city. He brought the shehnai from the realm of folk instruments to the grand concert stage and was awarded India's highest civilian honour — the Bharat Ratna.