Image credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is widely regarded as the world's oldest living city. Standing on the banks of the sacred River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, this ancient city has witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, the birth of spiritual movements, and the continuous flow of human life for more than two millennia. Even today, pilgrims, scholars, artists, and travellers gather here to experience a city where history, faith, and daily life exist side by side.
The Eternal City of Kashi
Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that Varanasi has been continuously inhabited since at least the first millennium BCE. UNESCO's documentation describes Varanasi as one of the most ancient continuously living cities in the world, with its cultural landscape evolving while retaining its sacred character through centuries.
The city's ancient name, Kashi, is derived from the Sanskrit root "Kas", meaning "to shine." According to Hindu tradition, Kashi is the city of Lord Shiva, making it one of the holiest places in Hinduism. For countless devotees, a visit to Varanasi is not merely a journey but a spiritual aspiration.
"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." — Mark Twain
Where the Ganga Defines Life
The identity of Varanasi is inseparable from the River Ganga. The city stretches along a crescent-shaped bend of the river, creating one of the most iconic riverfronts in the world. The ghats — broad stone steps leading to the water — serve as places for worship, meditation, bathing, festivals, and cremation.
Every morning, thousands gather to witness the sunrise over the Ganga, while every evening the famous Ganga Aarti transforms the riverfront into a spectacle of lamps, chants, and devotion. This uninterrupted rhythm of life has continued for generations.
The Famous Ghats of Varanasi
More than 80 ghats line the riverfront, each with its own history and significance.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – The city's most vibrant and ceremonial ghat.
- Assi Ghat – Popular among pilgrims, students, and visitors.
- Manikarnika Ghat – One of Hinduism's most sacred cremation grounds.
- Harishchandra Ghat – Associated with ancient legends of truth and sacrifice.
- Panchganga Ghat – Historically important for scholars and saints.
A Crossroads of Faiths
Although best known as a Hindu pilgrimage centre, Varanasi has played a major role in several religious traditions. Just a few kilometres away lies Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
The region is also significant in Jainism, as several Jain Tirthankaras are associated with Varanasi. Sikh history records visits by Guru Nanak to the city during the sixteenth century. This unique convergence of traditions has made Varanasi a centre of spiritual dialogue for centuries.
A City of Learning and Culture
For more than 3,000 years, Varanasi has been recognised as a centre of knowledge, philosophy, Sanskrit scholarship, music, and literature. Ancient schools of learning flourished here long before the establishment of modern universities.
The city has nurtured legendary figures such as Kabir, Ravidas, Tulsidas, and numerous scholars who shaped Indian thought and literature. Varanasi is also renowned for classical music traditions, particularly the Banaras Gharana, which has influenced generations of musicians.
The Art of Banaras
Beyond its temples and ghats, Varanasi is famous for its craftsmanship. The city's silk weaving tradition produces the celebrated Banarasi sarees, known for intricate designs and luxurious fabrics. Local artisans continue to preserve centuries-old techniques in textiles, metalwork, woodcraft, and traditional painting.
The narrow lanes of the old city reveal workshops where heritage survives not in museums but in everyday life.
Key Facts About Varanasi
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Ancient Name | Kashi or Banaras |
| State | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| River | Ganga (Ganges) |
| Known For | Spirituality, ghats, temples, culture, and learning |
| Nearby Heritage Site | Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon |
| Famous Craft | Banarasi Silk Sarees |
Why Varanasi Still Matters
Many ancient cities survive only as archaeological sites or historical monuments. Varanasi is different. It remains alive, inhabited, and deeply connected to its traditions while continuing to evolve with modern India. Its ghats are still used, its festivals still attract millions, and its cultural traditions continue to shape the identity of the region.
In a rapidly changing world, Varanasi stands as a rare example of continuity — a city where the past is not preserved behind glass but experienced every day. This enduring relationship between history, spirituality, culture, and community is what makes Varanasi truly deserving of its reputation as the world's oldest living city.
