History & Timeline

History & Timeline — Journey Through the Eternal Legacy of Varanasi

Varanasi, often called Kashi — “The City of Light”, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history that stretches back over 3,000 years. Its story is woven with mythology, spirituality, culture, kingdoms, and timeless traditions that still shape daily life today.

According to ancient legends, the city was founded by Lord Shiva, making it one of the holiest destinations for millions of devotees. Early references to Kashi appear in the Rigveda, marking it as a powerful center of learning, meditation, and cultural progress. Over centuries, the city grew into a major hub for philosophy, science, astronomy, and classical music.

During the Mauryan and Gupta empires, Kashi thrived as a center of trade, silk weaving, and religious scholarship. The arrival of Buddha in nearby Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon, added a new spiritual dimension to the region and shaped its identity as a meeting point of different faiths and philosophies.

In the medieval period, Varanasi faced invasions and rebuilding phases, yet its spiritual flame remained unbroken. Great saints like Tulsidas, Kabir, Vallabhacharya, and Trailanga Swami enriched the city with teachings, poetry, and devotion. By the 18th century, under the patronage of local kings and noble families, Varanasi emerged as a major cultural capital known for its ghats, temples, music gharanas, and classical arts.

Today, Varanasi is a vibrant blend of ancient heritage and modern development. The iconic Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, restored ghats, improved riverfronts, and interconnected cultural centers have given the city a new, contemporary identity while preserving its timeless soul. The traditions of festivals, rituals, silk weaving, music, and yoga continue to thrive, making Varanasi a living heritage—where every lane echoes with stories, and every sunrise feels eternal.