Varanasi

City in Uttar Pradesh, India, one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism, on the River Ganges; population (2001 est) 1,211,700. There are 1,500 golden shrines, and a 5 km/3 mi frontage to the Ganges with sacred stairways (ghats) for purification by bathing. Varanasi is also a sacred centre of Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism: Buddha came to Varanasi from Gaya and is believed to have preached in the Deer Park. One-third of its inhabitants are Muslim. Varanasi has long been a major centre of education, with three universities including the Banaras Hindu University (1915), and many colleges and schools, including religious schools. The city is noted for the manufacture of silks and brocades, and its handicrafts include brassware, ivory goods, glass bangles and wooden toys.

At the burning ghats, the ashes of the Hindu dead are scattered on the river to ensure a favourable reincarnation.

Dating from before 500 BC, it was sacked by the Muslims in 1194, who destroyed temples and altars and built mosques in their place. Very few buildings in Varanasi date from before the 17th century. It was ceded to the British in 1775.