Varanasi History

History of Varanasi – The Eternal City Through Time

Varanasi, also known as Banaras and Kashi, stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With a history that stretches back over 3,000 years, it is not just a city but a living heritage, a sacred space that has witnessed the unfolding of Indian civilization across millennia. This ancient city is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, spiritual traditions, historical events, and cultural evolution, making it a timeless destination for seekers, scholars, and travelers alike.

Kashi – The City of Light

The oldest and most sacred name for Varanasi is “Kashi”, derived from the Sanskrit root "kas", meaning to shine. Mentioned in the Rigveda, Kashi was revered as a luminous city, both in a literal and spiritual sense. According to Hindu belief, it was founded by Lord Shiva, the cosmic deity of destruction and transformation. Kashi was said to be his favorite abode – a city where the divine and the earthly coexisted seamlessly.

Because of this divine connection, it is believed that death in Kashi brings liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth. This belief continues to draw thousands of pilgrims, saints, and even elderly individuals who wish to breathe their last in this sacred city.

Banaras – The Cultural Soul

The name Banaras emerged over centuries and became the colloquial and emotional identity of the city. It reflects not just its spiritual foundation but also its rich cultural traditions, artistic legacy, and vibrant daily life.

Banaras grew to be a hub of music, literature, philosophy, education, and handicrafts. Legendary musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, poets like Kabir, and scholars from across the globe were drawn to the city's magnetic energy. The Banaras Hindu University (BHU), founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, became a center of academic excellence, promoting Indian culture and heritage.

Banaras is also renowned for its handwoven silk sarees, intricate wooden toys, and timeless traditions passed down through generations of artisans and performers. The language, the food, the rituals – all carry the essence of an ancient but ever-living city.

Varanasi – The Modern Identity

The name Varanasi, the official modern name, is derived from two rivers: Varuna and Assi, which mark the northern and southern boundaries of the city and merge into the sacred Ganga (Ganges). This name reflects the geographical and administrative identity of the city.

During the medieval and colonial periods, Varanasi went through phases of turmoil and resurgence. It was plundered during invasions but always rebounded, owing to the undying faith of its people. The Mughals, despite their initial invasions, also contributed to the city’s architecture – many of the grand mosques and some parts of the Ganga Ghats reflect Indo-Islamic design.

Under British rule, Varanasi retained its importance as a religious and cultural nucleus. It became a princely state under the British Crown in the 18th century and maintained autonomy until Indian independence in 1947.

The Eternal Spirit of VBK – VaranasiBanarasKashi

Today, Varanasi stands as a fusion of all three identities – Kashi, Banaras, and Varanasi – each carrying stories, sentiments, and significance.

At VBK, we celebrate the city not just as a destination, but as an eternal symbol of India’s spiritual soul and cultural continuity. The layers of its history are not frozen in time; they are alive in its streets, temples, ghats, and people. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, watching rituals on the banks of the Ganga, or sipping chai in a busy bazaar, you are walking through a city that has seen empires rise and fall, saints preach and poets sing, yet continues to thrive as the heartbeat of India.