‘Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older than even legend and twice as old as all of them put together’- Mark Twain

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. Though archaeological pieces of evidence from as old as 1200 BC found here, there are indications that this city could have been alive even as early as 3000 BC.

An old photographic representation of Varanasi

When the Aryans settled here, this city flourished commercially and industrially, owing to the fact that it was one the most famous centres for muslin, silk and ivory work.

During the 6 th Century BC, Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath which is 10km from Varanasi. This eventually drew learned men from various parts of the world to Varanasi, making it the hub for religious learning and philosophy.

During the 18 th Century, Varanasi was restored to its former glory after the rule of the Muslims during the 17 th Century. It became an independent kingdom with Ramnagar as its capital. After India’s Independence in 1947, Varanasi was declared a part of the state of UP.