About Varanasi / BHU



About Varanasi
Varanasi known as Kashi or Benaras, being one of the oldest living cities (5000 years old) in the world is a prominent place for tourism and a hub of learning. This sacred city of Varanasi with many temples and ghats at the banks of the holy river Ganges which have their unique spirit, is said to be presided over by Lord Shiva. Varanasi has many historical monuments which reflect its rich cultural heritage. Among the eminent ones signifying the national unity and integrity are the Ashoka–pillar (340 B.C.), Lord Vishwanath Temple (1752 A.D.) and the holy Buddhist place Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached for the first time after attaining enlightenment. It is a pilgrimage for the Jains, the Buddhists and the Hindus. Varanasi has produced great social reformers and scholars like Sant Kabir Das, Sant Ravi Das and Goswami Tulsi Das who have spread their messages from this holy land. The prominent contributions made in various fields by legendary poets, writers, musicians and politicians from this place are virtually unrevealed. Bhartendu Harishchandra, Munshi Prem Chand, Jai Shanker Prasad, Pandit Ramchandra Shukla, Dr. Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, Bismilla Khan, Najir Banarasi, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Pandit Ravishankr, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Smt. Girja Devi, and Lal Bahadur Shastri are among those who graced the city of Varanasi making it their work place. Varanasi has been hailed as a premier centre of the finest handicrafts like silk weaving (Banarasi silk saris), wood and stone carving; bead manufacturing and metal works which makes it quite distinctive across the world.
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in Varanasi. This university of creativity and innovations was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was created under the Parliamentary legislation – B.H.U. Act 1915. It played a stellar role in the independence movement and has developed into the greatest center of learning in India. It has produced many great freedom fighters and builders of modern India and has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists, scientists and technologists who have graced its portals. The area of the main campus of this premiere Central University is 1300 acres, having well maintained roads, extensive greenery, a temple, an air strip, and buildings which are an architectural delight. Another campus of the university at Barkachha, in Mirzapur district, covering an area of 2700 acres is being built. The university comprises 3 Institutes, 14 Faculties, 140 Departments, 4 Inter displinary Centers, a constituent college for women’s, and 3 Constituents Schools, spanning a vast range of subjects pertaining to all branches of humanities, social science, technology, medicine ,science, fine arts, and performing arts. It has 6 centres of Advanced Studies, 10 Departments under Special Assistance Program, and many specialized Research Centers. Four Degree Colleges of the city are affiliated to the University. Bharat Kala Bhavan, the reputed museum of the university, is a treasure trove of rare collections. The 927-bed hospital of the University, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, is equipped with modern amenities. The university provides a wide range of facilities for sport and hobbies, has large playgrounds, a big auditorium, a flying club, and many auxiliary services and units like Printing Press, Publication Cell, Fruit Preservation Centre, Subsidized Canteens, Employment and Information Bureau, Security etc. The University family consists 15000 students belonging to all streams of life, castes and religions and races, about 1700 teachers, and nearly 8000 non-teaching staff. Students in large number from foreign countries like the U.S.A, the countries of Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa etc., come to study here. The university has taken a leadership role in promoting new ideas, the spirit of integration of the world, and cultivation of intellect and culture. Banaras Hindu University is virtually the small universe in microcosm.