Varanasi

Varanasi is a major city in northern India.

It sits in the middle-Ganges valley within the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city lies on the left bank of the Ganges river. It is located southeast of New Delhi and the state capital, Lucknow. Varanasi is situated downstream from Prayagraj. This is where the Yamuna river joins the Ganges. Varanasi is recognized as one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. It holds a central place in Hindu traditions regarding pilgrimage, death, and mourning.

The city's name and identity are deeply tied to its geography. Traditional etymology links the name "Varanasi" to two tributaries of the Ganges. These are the Varuna river and the Assi stream. The Varuna flows in northern Varanasi. The Assi is a small stream in the southern part of the city.

The old city sits on the north shores of the Ganges. The ancient name for the city is Kashi. In Sanskrit, the root "kaś" means "to shine." This makes Varanasi the "City of Light" or a "luminous city." It is known as an eminent seat of learning.

The physical landscape of the riverfront is defined by its ghats. Ghats are stone steps that lead down steep river banks to the water.

These structures allow pilgrims to perform important religious rituals. Some ghats are famous for specific purposes. The Dashashwamedh Ghat and Panchganga Ghat are notable sites. However, the Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are also very significant. These two locations are where Hindus perform the cremation of the dead. The city also maintains Hindu genealogy registers at these sites.

Religious history and mythology provide the foundation for the city's sanctity. Hindu mythology suggests that the god Shiva founded Varanasi. One story describes a conflict between the gods Brahma and Shiva. During this event, a head of Brahma was lost and disappeared into the ground at Varanasi. This makes the site extremely holy to followers. Varanasi is also one of seven holy cities known as the Sapta Puri. These cities are believed to provide Moksha, or liberation. The city has also been a major center for Buddhism. Near Varanasi, the Lion capital of Ashoka at Sarnath commemorates the Buddha's first sermon in the fifth century BCE.

Over the centuries, various rulers and movements shaped the city. In the 8th century, Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect. During the Middle Ages, the city remained a center for theologians and intellectuals. The Bhakti movement also had a massive impact. Famous figures like the poet Kabir and the reformer Ravidas were born or lived here.

In the 16th century, Rajput nobles working for the Mughal emperor Akbar sponsored temple work. This used an empire-wide architectural style. Later, the city saw shifts in control from the Mughal Empire to the British East India Company. The city became part of the Republic of India's Uttar Pradesh in 1950.

Varanasi has also evolved into a major educational and musical hub. It is the birthplace of the Benares gharana style of Hindustani classical music. Many famous poets, musicians, and philosophers have lived in the city. Education has been a priority for centuries. In 1791, Jonathan Duncan founded the Benares Sanskrit College. In 1916, Annie Besant and Madan Mohan Malviya founded the Banaras Hindu University.

This was India's first modern residential university. Later, Kashi Vidyapith was established in 1921 during the non-cooperation movement.

Today, the city's economy is a mix of traditional crafts and modern industry. A significant number of local people work in silk weaving and carpet making.

There is also a strong tradition of Islamic artisanship that supports religious tourism. Visitors often shop for local jewelry.

Beyond crafts, the city hosts large industrial employers. These include the Banaras Locomotive Works and Bharat Heavy Electricals. This blend of ancient tradition and modern industry defines the character of Varanasi.