India: 'Hindu Temple, Benares'. Coloured engraving by T. Taylor, c. 1883. Varanasi, also commonly known as Banaras or Benaras, is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (199 mi) southeast of state capital Lucknow. It is regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India. The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi and an essential part of all religious celebrations.

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Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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