History of Varanasi: 5000 Years of the Eternal City

🏛️ Ancient Origins — Varanasi Before History (3000 BC – 1000 BC)

Varanasi — also known as Kashi (काशी, "City of Light") and Banaras — is widely regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. While cities like Athens, Jerusalem, and Damascus are ancient, Varanasi holds a unique distinction: it has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years without abandonment.

The city's origins are shrouded in mythology and archaeology alike:

Mythological Origin: According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva himself. It is believed to be the place where Shiva and Parvati stood when time began. The city sits on Shiva's trishul (trident) and exists outside the normal world — on the three prongs of divine power. It is said that Varanasi is never destroyed, even during the pralaya (cosmic dissolution) — Shiva lifts the city on his trident to protect it.

Archaeological Evidence: Excavations at Rajghat (near Varanasi) have revealed pottery, tools, and structural remains dating back to 1800–1200 BC, placing early settlement firmly in the late Chalcolithic period. However, many historians believe habitation goes back even further — to 3000 BC or earlier — based on references in the Rigveda, the oldest known text in any Indo-European language.

The Name "Varanasi": The name comes from two rivers — Varuna (to the north) and Assi (to the south) — between which the ancient city was situated. The British anglicized it to "Benares," and the spiritual name "Kashi" comes from the Sanskrit root kas, meaning "to shine" — the City of Light.

📜 Vedic Period — The Rise of a Spiritual Capital (1500 BC – 500 BC)

During the Vedic period, Varanasi emerged as one of the most important centers of learning, spirituality, and culture in the Indian subcontinent.

Center of Learning: Varanasi became the intellectual capital of ancient India. The city was home to great rishis, scholars, and grammarians. It was here that Panini composed the Ashtadhyayi, the most comprehensive grammar in any language. The city attracted scholars of the Vedas, Upanishads, philosophy, medicine (Ayurveda), astronomy, and mathematics.

Kashi as a Kingdom: Kashi was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) mentioned in Buddhist texts. The Kingdom of Kashi was powerful, prosperous, and frequently at war with neighboring Kosala and Magadha kingdoms. The city served as a major trading hub on the Uttarapatha (Northern Trade Route) connecting Gandhara to Pataliputra.

Spiritual Significance: Even in this early period, Kashi was already established as the holiest city of Hinduism. The Kashi Khanda section of the Skanda Purana describes the city as the permanent abode of Lord Shiva. Dying in Kashi was believed to grant moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) — a belief that draws millions to this day.

Famous Residents: According to tradition, several major figures spent time in Varanasi during this era — including the legendary poet Valmiki (author of the Ramayana), sage Patanjali (Yoga Sutras), and Ved Vyasa (compiler of the Vedas).

☸️ The Age of Buddha & Mahavira (600 BC – 300 BC)

The 6th century BC was a transformative era for Varanasi — two of the world's great religions were born here.

Buddha's First Sermon — Sarnath:

In 528 BC, Siddhartha Gautama — now the Buddha — walked from Bodhgaya (where he had attained enlightenment) to Sarnath, just 10 km from Varanasi, to deliver his first sermon. This event, known as Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta (Turning the Wheel of Dharma), is one of the most pivotal moments in human spiritual history.

At the Deer Park in Sarnath (Isipatana/Mrigadaya), Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to his first five disciples. This set in motion the spread of Buddhism across Asia. The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath (built by Emperor Ashoka) marks this exact spot and still stands today.

Mahavira & Jainism:

Around the same period, Parshvanatha — the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism — was born in Varanasi. His birth site is revered by Jains worldwide. Mahavira himself visited Varanasi multiple times and established a strong Jain community in the city.

Varanasi as Multi-Faith Hub: This made Varanasi unique — it was simultaneously the holiest city of Hinduism, the birthplace of Buddhism's first teaching, and an important Jain pilgrimage site. This multi-faith identity continues to this day.

Visit Sarnath today: Just 15 minutes by taxi from Varanasi city. Book our Varanasi sightseeing tour to visit Sarnath along with all major ghats and temples. explore Shubh Travel services.

🏰 Maurya, Shunga & Gupta Dynasties (300 BC – 600 AD)

The next millennium saw Varanasi reach extraordinary heights of arts, science, and culture.

Maurya Empire (322–185 BC): Under Emperor Ashoka, Varanasi (and Sarnath) became a major Buddhist center. Ashoka built several stupas at Sarnath, including the famous Lion Capital — four lions standing back to back — which became the national emblem of India. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is one of the finest pieces of ancient Indian art.

Shunga Dynasty: After the Mauryas, the Shungas revived Hindu traditions in Varanasi. The city once again became a major center for Vedic learning and Sanskrit scholarship.

Gupta Empire (320–550 AD) — The Golden Age:

This was the Golden Age of Varanasi. Under the Gupta dynasty, the city became the greatest center of art, science, and culture in the world:

• Aryabhata — the mathematician and astronomer who calculated the value of pi (π), explained solar/lunar eclipses, and proposed that the earth rotates on its axis — studied and worked in the University of Nalanda but had strong connections to Varanasi.
• The great poet Kalidasa (author of Meghaduta, Shakuntala) lived and wrote in this region.
• Vasubandhu and Dignaga, great Buddhist philosophers, taught in Varanasi.
• Art, sculpture, and temple architecture reached unprecedented heights. The original Vishweshwara Temple (predecessor of today's Kashi Vishwanath) was built during this period.

Chinese Traveller Xuanzang visited Varanasi in 635 AD and described it as a city of great learning with over 30 monasteries and thousands of student-monks. He mentioned the 100-foot brass statue of Buddha at Sarnath and the flourishing Hindu temples along the Ganges.

⚔️ Medieval Period — Invasions & Resilience (1000 AD – 1700 AD)

The medieval period was the most turbulent in Varanasi's history — but also the era that demonstrated the city's extraordinary resilience.

Ghaznavid & Turkish Invasions (11th–13th Century):

• In 1194 AD, the army of Qutb-ud-din Aibak (general of Muhammad Ghori) attacked Varanasi. Buddhist monasteries at Sarnath were destroyed, and many Hindu temples were damaged. This event effectively ended Buddhism's organized presence in Varanasi after 1,700 years.
• Despite destruction, the Hindu population continued to rebuild. The city's spiritual identity was too deeply rooted to be erased.

Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th Century):

Multiple temples were destroyed and mosques built on their sites. Yet, Varanasi survived. The Bhakti movement — the great Hindu spiritual renaissance — was partly ignited by these events:

• Kabir (1398–1518) — The legendary mystic poet was born in Varanasi. A weaver by profession, Kabir rejected both rigid Hinduism and Islam, preaching universal spirituality. His dohe (couplets) are still sung across India. Kabir's house (Kabir Chaura) is a pilgrimage site in Varanasi today.
• Ramananda — Kabir's guru, who pioneered the Bhakti movement in Varanasi.
• Ravidas — Another great saint from Varanasi who challenged caste discrimination.

Mughal Period (16th–18th Century):

• Akbar (1556–1605) — The most tolerant Mughal emperor actually supported Varanasi's culture. He allowed Hindu worship and even visited the city. Two important mosques from this period still stand.
• Aurangzeb (1658–1707) — In 1669, he ordered the destruction of the original Vishweshwara Temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque on its foundation. The rear wall of the original temple is still visible against the mosque — creating the Gyanvapi complex that remains a point of national attention today.
• Despite Aurangzeb's destruction, Hindu Varanasi survived. Worship shifted to smaller temples, and the spiritual tradition continued unbroken in homes and on the ghats.

🕉️ Revival & Reconstruction (1700 – 1800 AD)

The 18th century saw a remarkable cultural and architectural renaissance in Varanasi.

Maratha Period — The Great Rebuilders:

As Mughal power declined, Hindu Maratha rulers became the patrons of Varanasi's reconstruction:

• 1780 — Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built the present Kashi Vishwanath Temple adjacent to the Gyanvapi Mosque. This is the temple that stands today — one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated 1,000 kg of gold to plate the temple's dome, giving it the famous name "Golden Temple" (Sone Ka Mandir).
• Bhonsle Kings of Nagpur, Peshwas of Pune, and other Maratha nobles rebuilt dozens of temples and ghats. Most of the 84 ghats you see today were constructed or renovated during this period.

Kashi Naresh (Kings of Kashi):

The Kashi Naresh dynasty ruled from Ramnagar Fort across the Ganges. Though they had limited political power, they served as the spiritual and cultural custodians of Varanasi:

• They maintained the sacred rituals at the ghats
• They patronized classical music, dance, and Sanskrit learning
• The Ramnagar Ram Leela (started in the 1830s) became the most famous dramatic retelling of the Ramayana in India — performed annually for a month and still continuing today

🇬🇧 British Period — Modern Varanasi Takes Shape (1800 – 1947)

British colonial rule brought significant changes to Varanasi — some destructive, some transformative.

East India Company: The British arrived in Varanasi in the late 18th century. Initially ruling through the Kashi Naresh, they gradually took direct control. The British recognized Varanasi's importance and largely left its religious character intact.

Education Revolution:

• 1791 — Jonathan Duncan established the Sanskrit College in Varanasi — one of the first modern educational institutions in India.
• 1898 — Annie Besant, the Irish-British social reformer, founded Central Hindu College, which later became the nucleus of BHU.
• 1916 — Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU) with support from the Maharaja of Kashi and Annie Besant. Today, BHU is Asia's largest residential university with a 1,300-acre campus, 35,000+ students, and the magnificent New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple) built in 1966.

Freedom Movement:

Varanasi played a crucial role in India's independence struggle. It was a hub for revolutionary activities and home to many freedom fighters. The city hosted several sessions of the Indian National Congress. Mahatma Gandhi had deep connections with Varanasi — he established the first Harijan Ashram here.

Infrastructure: The British built Varanasi's railway connections (Varanasi Junction, opened 1862), modern roads, and the cantonment area that remains the city's organized hub.

🎵 Varanasi's Cultural Legacy — Music, Silk & Art

Beyond spirituality, Varanasi is one of the richest cultural centers on earth.

Classical Music Capital:

Varanasi is the birthplace of the Banaras Gharana — one of the most important schools of Hindustani classical music:

• Ustad Bismillah Khan — The legendary shehnai maestro who lived in Varanasi his entire life. He played at India's first Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort in 1947. He used to practice his shehnai at the Dashashwamedh Ghat at dawn, playing for Ganga Maiya.
• Pandit Ravi Shankar — The sitar legend who introduced Indian classical music to the world (and taught George Harrison of The Beatles).
• Girija Devi — "Queen of Thumri," the great classical vocalist of Varanasi.
• The tradition continues — Varanasi still hosts Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, one of India's most prestigious classical music festivals.

Banarasi Silk — Woven Gold:

Varanasi is world-famous for its Banarasi silk sarees — hand-woven with real gold and silver zari threads. These sarees have been produced here for over 500 years:

• A single Banarasi saree can take 15 days to 6 months to weave
• Prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹5,00,000+ for the finest pieces
• The weaving community of Varanasi — mostly Muslim artisans — have passed down this craft for generations, creating one of India's finest examples of Hindu-Muslim cultural partnership
• GI (Geographical Indication) tagged — only sarees woven in Varanasi can legally be called "Banarasi"

Other Cultural Treasures:

• Banarasi Paan — The legendary betel leaf preparation, a living tradition
• Wooden Toys of Varanasi — UNESCO recognized craft
• Langda Aam — Varanasi's famous mango variety (the name means "limping" — legend says the original tree was planted by a limping man)
• Thandai & Lassi — Varanasi's signature drinks, especially with bhang during Holi

🌊 The 84 Ghats — Varanasi's Sacred Waterfront

The 84 ghats of Varanasi stretching along 7 km of the western bank of the Ganges are the city's most iconic feature and the heart of its spiritual life.

What are Ghats? Ghats are stepped embankments leading to the river — used for bathing, prayers, cremation, yoga, and daily life. Each ghat has its own history, legends, and rituals.

Most Famous Ghats:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat — The most famous, where the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place every evening. Legend says Lord Brahma performed ten horse sacrifices (ashwamedha) here. This daily aarti draws thousands and is one of the most powerful spiritual experiences on earth.
• Manikarnika Ghat — The primary cremation ghat, where funeral pyres have burned continuously for over 3,000 years. Hindus believe that being cremated here guarantees moksha. Over 200 cremations happen daily.
• Assi Ghat — The southernmost ghat where the Assi river meets the Ganges. Popular with tourists, yoga practitioners, and students. Features a large Shiva lingam under a peepal tree.
• Harishchandra Ghat — The other cremation ghat, named after the legendary truthful king. Considered one of the oldest ghats.
• Man Mandir Ghat — Built by Maharaja Man Singh of Jaipur in 1600. Houses a Mughal-era astronomical observatory.
• Darbhanga Ghat — Beautiful 19th-century architecture, now a heritage hotel.
• Tulsi Ghat — Where the poet-saint Tulsidas composed parts of the Ramcharitmanas (Hindi version of Ramayana).

Experience the Ghats: The best way to see all 84 ghats is by boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise or sunset. Combine with our local sightseeing taxi for a full-day Varanasi experience. explore Shubh Travel services.

🚀 Modern Varanasi — Development & Transformation (2000 – 2025)

In the 21st century, Varanasi is experiencing a historic transformation while fiercely protecting its ancient identity.

Kashi Vishwanath Dham (KVD) Corridor:

Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi (who represents Varanasi in Parliament) in December 2021, the ₹339 crore Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has transformed the temple area:

• Direct path from the Ganges (Lalita Ghat) to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• 23 new buildings with facilities for pilgrims — shelters, shops, museum
• Demolished 300+ encroaching structures to reveal the temple's grandeur
• The temple now receives 1 lakh+ visitors daily during peak seasons

Infrastructure Development:

• Ring Road — 45 km ring road reducing city congestion
• Airport Expansion — VNS/Babatpur airport upgraded to international terminal
• Purvanchal Expressway — connecting Varanasi to Lucknow in 4 hours
• Varanasi Metro — Under planning, will connect key tourist areas
• Ghat Beautification — LED lighting, CCTV, underwater lighting at ghats
• Clean Ganga Mission — ₹20,000 crore project for Ganga rejuvenation

Tourism Boom:

Varanasi now attracts 6+ million tourists annually, including 3 lakh+ international visitors. The city is a top destination for spiritual tourism, heritage tourism, and cultural experiences. With improved infrastructure and reliable taxi services like Shubh Travel, exploring the city has never been easier.

✨ Why Varanasi Matters — The Eternal City

As Mark Twain famously wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

Varanasi matters because:

• It is the only city in history that has been continuously inhabited for 5,000+ years
• It gave the world Buddhism (Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath)
• It preserved Hinduism through centuries of invasions
• It produced the national emblem of India (Ashoka's Lion Capital)
• It is where the Ramayana was written in Hindi (by Tulsidas)
• It is home to Asia's largest university (BHU)
• It hosts the world's largest spiritual gathering (Ganga Aarti, nightly)
• It weaves the world's finest silk sarees
• It remains the spiritual capital of 1.4 billion Hindus

And yet, Varanasi is not a museum. It is alive, chaotic, beautiful, noisy, spiritual, and deeply human. Every morning, the sun rises over the Ganges, the conch shells blow, the temple bells ring, and millions of diyas float on the sacred waters. This has happened every single day for 5,000 years.

Come experience this eternal city yourself. Explore our Varanasi tour packages or explore Shubh Travel services to plan your trip.

Explore Varanasi with Shubh Travel

Now that you know the incredible history of Varanasi, come experience it in person! Shubh Travel offers complete travel solutions:

• Local Sightseeing Taxi — Visit all ghats, temples & Sarnath
• Kashi Vishwanath Tour — Complete temple darshan circuit
• Full Day City Tour — Heritage + spiritual combo
• Varanasi + Ayodhya — 2-day pilgrimage circuit
• Airport Taxi — Hassle-free VNS airport pickup

Also read: Best Time to Visit Varanasi | Top 25 Places to Visit | Complete Travel Guide