BIKERS CLUB OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE | Page 35

The Spiritual C apital of India History Of Varanasi Popularly known as Kashi or Banaras, the quaintly charming land of Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. It is a centre of Hindu culture and mythology, literature and art. The origin dates back to 2500 years ago when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and chose to make the city their abode. Later the Aryans came and inhabited the city and thus began the trade of silk, muslin, ivory and perfumes. During the Afghan invasion and Muslim rule, Varanasi suffered a destructive phase which involved the demolition and destruction of temples. But it's glory was restored during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar. Culture of Varanasi Varanasi has been a part of Indian civilisation since the beginning of time. Successive empires have made this city their trading and cultural hub, and this has brought the city into contact with a broad range of cultures. From the early dynasties like Mauryas and Guptas to the Medieval period of Mughals and later on the British Empire, Varanasi has been subjected to the influence of Greek, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Christians and Jain ways of life. A large number of monuments currently standing in and near the city are a testament to this diverse past. Varanasi was also a very wealthy city for a long time, and the grandeur of the Ghats, public places and places of worship reflects this. Ganga, the backbone of Varanasi Like all cities of early India, Varanasi evolved into a major hub because it was located on the side of a river. Trade, commerce, worship, living quarters and daily routines in this city have been heavily influenced by the ways of the Ganga. Even today, it is the main source of water for the city and some amount of navigation takes places across this river. It is also the focus of cultural life and large daily congregations at the Ghats, parks and mosques at the banks of the river form the basis of social life. Since it attracts a large number of tourists, the Ganga is also responsible for a large part of the city's revenue in the form of tourism. BIKERS CLUB | MAGAZINE