Varanasi

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Varanasi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the River Ganga, it is a sacred city that sits at the centre of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain thought.

Varanasi is a place of learning, a centre for literature and the arts- it is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Right through its existence, Varanasi has flourished, all whilst retaining its unique identity.

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Focus: Varanasi and the Freedom Struggle

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Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva, and the place where He and the Goddess Parvati founded the universe. It is believed to be the site where Lord Rama did penance, after his victory over the demon-king Ravana, and may also have been a battlefield in the Mahabharata, where the God Krishna set fire to an imposter Krishna.

Take a closer look at the map- you will see that Varanasi is shaped like a crescent moon. This is a tribute to her Creator, Lord Shiva, and the crescent moon that adorns His hair.

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Varanasi is often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It’s unique geographical location has ensured that it is a thriving centre for both trade and learning. Rulers have come and gone, while Varanasi has endured through the ravages of time.

Click below to read more on the long history of this city.

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History Timeline

  1. The city emerges as an urban metropolis with craft specialisation. Ship building, sandalwood, ivory and cloth work are some of the important crafts.
  2. Varanasi grows into a Mahajanapada which were socio economic units that combined smaller janapadas.
  3. Varanasi (Banaras) is now a part of the Kingdom of Kosala ruled by Chandragupta Maurya.
  4. It is the time of Ashoka’s rule and Buddhism is at its peak. At Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, Ashoka erects a Stupa and a pillar.
  5. The Sungas and Kanvas have taken over Varanasi.
  6. The Gupta kings gain control of Varanasi.
  7. The kings of Ujjain are the next rulers of the city. Hieun Tsang visits in 635 AD, during the time of King Harshavardhana.
  8. A three way struggle rages on between the Gurjara-Pratiharas of the West, Rashtrakutas of the East, and the Palas of Bengal for the region. King Dharma Pala gains victory, the region comes under the control of the Pala Kings of Gaur in Bengal.
  9. As the Bhakti movement flourishes in North India, many Bhakti figures such as Sant Kabir live and practice in Banaras.
  10. Ravi Das, another Bhakti figure, is also born in Varanasi. He is from the leatherworker or Chamar community and speaks of a casteless society.
  11. Mughal rulers have control over Varanasi (Banares) until the mid-eighteenth century, when the city is taken over by Hindu zamindars with the title Raja. These Rajas build many ghats here.।
  12. Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah is in power and he gives Varanasi as jagir to one of his courtiers, Murtaza Khan.
  13. Murtaza Khan decides to lease out Varanasi to Saadat Ali Khan, the Nawab of Awadh.
  14. Balwant Singh, the son of a zamindar is rising to power and is conferred with the title of ‘Raja’ by Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah.
  15. Maharaja Balwant Singh builds the Ramnagar Fort. The fort still continues to be the residence of the current Maharaja of Banaras.
  16. The East India Company has taken control over Varanasi.।
  17. Manu Bai (Rani Lakshmi Bai) is born in Varanasi. ।
  18. First railway link between Calcutta and Banaras is established.
  19. Banaras Hindu University is established by Madan Mohan Malaviya and Annie Besant.
  20. After independence, Varanasi becomes a part of Uttar Pradesh.
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Note: Most of the ghats that we see today were built from the 17th-19th century by various kings and queens including Bajirao Peshwa I, Ahilya Bai of Holkar, the Maharaja of Jaipur and the Raja of Gwalior.

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