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{{About|the modern Kingdom of Kashi-Benares that later became the Princely State of Benares, not about the ancient Mahajanapada Kingdom of Kashi|other|Kingdom of Kashi}}
{{Short description|Independent State later consider as Zamindari estate, later princely state (1911–1948)}}
{{short description|Former state in what is today India}}
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=March 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox former country
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name =Benares State
| conventional_long_name = Benares State
|common_name =Kashi-Benares
| native_name            =
|capital = [[Varanasi|Benares (Kashi)]]
| common_name           =
|status_text = [[Princely state]] of [[British Raj|British India]] (1911–1948)
| image_flag            =
|era =
| flag_border            = no
|year_start = 1740
| map_caption            =
|date_start =
| capital               = [[Benares]]
|event_start=
| official_languages    =
|year_end = 1948
| common_languages      = [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Hindi]]-[[Urdu]], [[English language|English]]
|date_end =
| status_text            =
|event_end= [[Independence of India|Accession to the Union of India]]
| era                   =
|event1 =
| life_span              = 1911–1948
|date_event1 =
| year_start             =  
|p1 = Mughal Empire
| date_start             = 1911
|flag_p1 =
| event_start           = Established
|p2 = Chero dynasty
| year_end               =  
|s1 = Dominion of India
| date_end               = 1948
|flag_s1 = Flag of India.svg
| event_end             = [[Independence of India|Accession to the Union of India]]
|image_coat = Benares State Coat of Arms.png
| event1                 =  
|image_map =Benares State-Imperial Gazetteer of India.jpg
| date_event1           =  
|image_map_caption = Benares State in the [[Imperial Gazetteer of India]]
| p1                     = Oudh State
|stat_area1 =2266
| flag_p1               =  
|stat_year1 =1892
| border_p1              =
|stat_pop1 =115,773
| p3                    =  
|title_leader = [[Maharaja]] [[Rai Bahadur|Bahadur]]
| s1                     =  
|today     = {{flagicon|India}} [[Varanasi division]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| flag_s1               =  
|demonym=|area_km2=|area_rank=|GDP_PPP=|GDP_PPP_year=|HDI=|HDI_year=|religion=Hinduism (official)}}
| image_coat             =
[[File:Flag of the Royal House of Benares.svg|thumb|260px|Flag of the [[Royal House of Benares]]]]
| image_map2            = Benares State-Imperial Gazetteer of India.jpg
| image_map             = <!--Benares State in British India 1940.png-->
| map_caption2          = Benares State in yellow in the [[Imperial Gazetteer of India]]; [[Varanasi|Benares city]] and [[Sarnath]] are in [[British India]], which is shown in pink.
| title_leader          = [[Raja]]
| year_leader1          = 1740 – 1770 <small>(first)</small>
| leader1                = [[Maharaja Balwant Singh of Benares|Balwant Singh]]
| year_leader2          = 1939 – 1947 <small>(last)</small>
| leader2                = [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh]]
| today                 = [[Varanasi]] and [[Chakia, Uttar Pradesh|Chakia]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| religion               = [[Hinduism]] ([[State religion|official]]), [[Islam]], [[Jainism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Christianity]]
}}
[[File:Chait Singh of Benares.jpg|thumb|180px|Raja [[Chait Singh]] of Benares State]]
[[File:Chait Singh of Benares.jpg|thumb|180px|Raja [[Chait Singh]] of Benares State]]
[[File:The Maharaja's Fort, Front view -Benares-.jpg|thumb|260px|Palace of the Maharaja, Ramnagar]]
[[File:The Maharaja's Fort, Front view -Benares-.jpg|thumb|260px|The Maharaja's Fort and palace in Ramnagar]]
[[File:Majaraja of Benares and Suite, 1870s.jpg|thumb|260px|Maharaja of Benares with his courtiers in the 1870s.]]
[[File:Majaraja of Benares and Suite, 1870s.jpg|thumb|260px|Maharaja of Benares with his courtiers in the 1870s]]
'''Benares''' or '''Banaras State''' was a [[princely state]] in what is today India during the [[British Raj]]. On 15 October 1948 Benares' last ruler signed the accession to the Indian Union.<ref name="Benares Princely State">{{Cite web |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/b/benares.html |title=Benares Princely State |access-date=18 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608215953/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/b/benares.html |archive-date=8 June 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
'''Banaras State''', earlier '''Benares Estate''', was an estate, or hereditary [[jagir]],  comprising the family domains of the Maharaja of Benares under the [[Nawabs of Oudh]], [[Company rule in India|East India Company rule]], and the [[British Raj]] that from 1911 to 1948 was recognized as a [[princely state]].<ref name=benares-princely-state-1911>{{citation|editor-last=Cohen|editor-first=Saul B.|title=The Columbia Gazetteer of the World, <small> Volume I, A&ndash;G</small>|edition=2|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2008|isbn=978-0-231-14554-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C6PLxz8EMk0C&pg=PA382|page=382| quote='''Benares''', former princely state, N <small>INDIA</small>, created in 1911; Ramnagar town added in 1918; joined Gwalior Residency in 1936. Merged in 1949 with Benares (now <small>VARNASI</small> district. Also spelled Banaras.}}</ref>  


The state was founded by the local [[zamindar]], [[Balwant Singh of Benares|Raja Balwant Singh]], who assumed the title of "Raja of Benares" in mid 18th century, taking advantage of the [[Mughal Empire]]'s disintegration. His descendants ruled  the area around Benares after liberation from awadh and as feudatories  [[East India Company]]. In 1910, Benares became a full-fledged state of British India.{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|pp=124–126}} The state was merged in India after India's independence in 1947, but even today the Kashi Naresh (the titular ruler) is deeply revered by the people of [[Varanasi]]. He is a religious leader and the people of [[Varanasi]] consider him an incarnation of [[Shiva]].{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=216}} He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all religious celebrations. In 1948 the 88th ruler of Kashi [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh|Sir Vibhuti Narayan Singh]] accepted the request of the first Indian Prime minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] and signed the accession to the Indian Union.<ref name="Benares Princely State"/>
The estate was founded by the [[zamindar]], [[Balwant Singh of Benares|Balwant Singh]], who assumed the title of "Raja of Benares" in the mid 18th century, taking advantage of the [[Mughal Empire]]'s disintegration.<ref name="CABayly1988" /> His descendants had zamindari privileges in an area around [[Varanasi|Benares]] city, but not in the city, which the East India Company had annexed under the [[Treaty of Faizabad]] in the later 1760s. Benares became a [[princely state]] of [[British Raj]] in 1911. On October 15, 1949, the State of Benares was merged with Uttar Pradesh.<ref name=India-Pakistan-yearbook>{{citation|title=India-Pakistan Yearbook and Who's Who|volume=36|page=315|publisher=Bennet Coleman Company| year=1950|quote=March 1949 to April 1950:  October 15, State of Benares is merged with Uttar Pradesh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VoFIYpm-edAC&q=%22state+of+benares+is+merged%22}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


===Princely State===
===Princely State===
The earliest rulers of the later princely state of Benares were ''[[zamindar]]s'' for the [[Awadh]] ([[Oudh]]) province of the [[Mughal Empire]].
The earliest rulers of the later princely state of Benares were originally [[Zamindar]]s for the [[Oudh State|Awadh]] province of the [[Mughal Empire]] who later became an [[Oudh State|independent state]]. Most of the area currently known as Varanasi was acquired by Mansa Ram, a zamindar of [[Gangapur, Uttar Pradesh|Utaria]]. Balwant Singh, the ruler of Utaria in 1737, took over the [[Jagir]]s of [[Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh|Jaunpur]] (except Bayalasi which was ruled independently by Zamindar of [[Purenw Estate|Purenw]]), [[Varanasi]], and [[Chunar]], in 1737 from the [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Muhammad Shah]] of [[Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Rajani Ranjan |title=The Holy City (Benares) |publisher=M.R. Sen |year=1912}}</ref> The Kingdom of Benaras started in this way during the Mughal dynasty. Other places under the kingship of [[Kashi Naresh]] were [[Chandauli]], [[Gyanpur]], [[Chakia, Uttar Pradesh|Chakia]], Latifshah, [[Mirzapur]], Nandeshwar, Mint House and [[Vindhyachal]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pathak |first=Shreya |title=The Ruling Dynasty of Benares State-Rise and Development (1740–1950) |publisher=Anamika Publishers & Distributors |year=2014 |isbn=9788179754771}}</ref>
Most of the area currently known as Varanasi was acquired by Mansa Ram, a [[zamindar]] of [[Gangapur, Uttar Pradesh|Utaria]]. Balwant Singh, the ruler of Utaria in 1737,took over the [[Jagir]]s of [[Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh|Jaunpur]] (except Bayalasi which was ruled independently by Zamindar of [[Purenw Estate|Purenw]]), [[Varanasi]], and [[Chunar]], in 1737 from the [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Muhammad Shah]] of [[Delhi]]. The Kingdom of Benaras started in this way during the Mughal dynasty. Other places under the kingship of [[Kashi Naresh]] were [[Chandauli]], [[Gyanpur]], [[Chakia, Uttar Pradesh|Chakia]], Latifshah, [[Mirzapur]], Nandeshwar, Mint House and [[Vindhyachal]].
 
With the decline of the [[Mughal Empire]], the [[Bhumihar]]s under the leadership of [[Kashi Naresh]] strengthened their sway in the area south of [[Avadh]] and in the fertile [[rice]] growing areas of [[Benares]], [[Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh|Jaunpur]], [[Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh|Gorakhpur]], [[Basti district|Basti]], [[Deoria district|Deoria]], [[Azamgarh]],Ghazipur, [[Ballia]] and [[Bihar]] and on the fringes of [[Bengal]]<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18">{{Cite book
As the Mughal suzerainty weakened, the Benares zamindari became Banaras State, thus [[Balwant Singh of Benares|Balwant Singh]] of the [[Narayan dynasty]] gained control of the territories and declared himself Maharaja of Benares in 1740.<ref name="CABayly1988">{{cite book |first=C. A. |last=Bayly |author-link=Christopher Bayly |title=Rulers, Townsmen and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xfo3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA17 |date=19 May 1988 |publisher=CUP Archive |isbn=978-0-521-31054-3 |pages=17–}}</ref> The strong clan organization on which they rested, brought success to the lesser known Hindu princes.<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18">{{Cite book |last=Bayly |first=Christopher Alan |url=https://archive.org/details/rulerstownsmenba0000bayl |title=Rulers, Townsmen, and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |year=1983 |isbn=978-0-521-31054-3 |page=[https://archive.org/details/rulerstownsmenba0000bayl/page/489 489] (at p 18) |author-link=Christopher Alan Bayly |url-access=registration}}</ref> There were as many as 100,000 Bhumihar clansmen<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xfo3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA18 | title=Rulers, Townsmen and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770-1870 | isbn=9780521310543 | last1=Bayly | first1=C. A. | date=19 May 1988 | publisher=CUP Archive }}</ref> backing the power of the [[Benares]] rajas in what later became the districts of Benares, [[Gorakhpur district|Gorakhpur]] and [[Azamgarh]].<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18" /> This proved a decisive advantage when the dynasty faced a rival and the nominal suzerain, the [[Nawab of Oudh]], in the 1750s and the 1760s.<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18" /> An exhausting [[guerrilla war]], waged by the Benares ruler against the [[Oudh]] camp, using his troops, forced the [[Nawab]] to withdraw his main force .This victory further strengthened the control over his domains.<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18" />
| first = Christopher Alan
 
| last = Bayly
Benares became a princely state in 1911. It was given the privilege of the 13-gun salute.{{cn|date=May 2025}}
| author-link = Christopher Alan Bayly
| title = Rulers, Townsmen, and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870
| url = https://archive.org/details/rulerstownsmenba0000bayl
| url-access = registration
| publisher = [[Cambridge University Press]]
| year = 1983
| isbn = 978-0-521-31054-3
| page = [https://archive.org/details/rulerstownsmenba0000bayl/page/489 489] (at p 18)
}}</ref> As the Mughal suzerainty weakened, the Benares zamindari estate became Banaras State, thus [[Balwant Singh of Benares|Balwant Singh]] of the [[Narayan dynasty]] regained control of the territories and declared himself Maharaja of Benares in 1740.<ref name="CABayly1988">{{cite book |first=C. A. |last=Bayly |author-link=Christopher Bayly |title=Rulers, Townsmen and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xfo3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA17 |date=19 May 1988 |publisher=CUP Archive |isbn=978-0-521-31054-3 |pages=17–}}</ref> The strong clan organisation on which they rested, brought success to the lesser known [[Hindu]] princes.<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18" /> There were as many as 100,000 men backing the power of the [[Benares]] rajas in what later became the districts of [[Benares]], [[Gorakhpur district|Gorakhpur]] and [[Azamgarh]].<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18"/> This proved a decisive advantage when the [[dynasty]] faced a rival and the nominal suzerain, the [[Nawab of Oudh]], in the 1750s and the 1760s.<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18"/> An exhausting [[guerrilla war]], waged by the [[Benares]] ruler against the [[Oudh]] camp, using his troops, forced the [[Nawab]] to withdraw his main force.<ref name="Bayly 1983 489 at p 18"/> Later after the defeat in the battle of Buxar the nawab tried to give the zamindari of benares to the British even though having no rights over it as treaty of benares but the shrewd brits already knew this and they very politely refused the treaty. later under Warren hastings rule the company accepted the offer and benares came under the direct control of governor general which made the Bhumihar clan and Maharaja very angry and as a result they did not pay any tribute to the british. this incident made short tempered warren hasting very angry and he came to benares to check the matter. after arriving in benares he ordered a house areest to maharaja chet singh which worked as fuel in ember and the people of benares revolted against him . the people killed the mercenary soilders guarding the  chet singh ghat [ current name] and freeing the maharaja who went straight to the ramnagar fort. here seeing the benarasis overpowering his soldiers hasting escaped to chunar disguised as a woman in the palki of maharaja's relatives who helped him escape . there is a famous idiom which is used by the people of benares about this incident "ghode pe hauda hathi pr jean aisa bhaga warren hasting " . After reaching chunar hasting got reinforcements and he again charged for benares this time maharaja was outnumbered and lost and had to flee to gwalior  . Benares became a princely state in 1911.<ref>[http://uqconnect.net/~zzhsoszy/ips/b/benares.html Benares (Princely State)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060221030606/http://uqconnect.net/~zzhsoszy/ips/b/benares.html |date=21 February 2006 }} – A Document about Maharajas of Varanasi</ref> It was given the privilege of the 13-gun salute.


[[File:Throne national museum india.JPG|thumb|Throne of Raja of Benaras, at [[National Museum, New Delhi|National Museum, Delhi]].]]
[[File:Throne national museum india.JPG|thumb|Throne of Raja of Benaras, at [[National Museum, New Delhi|National Museum, Delhi]].]]


==History of Ramnagar==
==History of Ramnagar==
The residential palace of the Naresh is the [[Ramnagar Fort]] at [[Ramnagar, Varanasi|Ramnagar]] near Varanasi, which is next to the river [[Ganges River|Ganges]].<ref name="A review of Varanasi">{{Cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/life/2004/02/02/stories/2004020200050300.htm |title=A review of Varanasi |access-date=16 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924092518/http://www.blonnet.com/life/2004/02/02/stories/2004020200050300.htm |archive-date=24 September 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The residential palace of the Naresh is the [[Ramnagar Fort]] at [[Ramnagar, Varanasi|Ramnagar]] near Varanasi, which is next to the river [[Ganges River|Ganges]].<ref name="A review of Varanasi">{{Cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/life/2004/02/02/stories/2004020200050300.htm |title=A review of Varanasi |access-date=16 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924092518/http://www.blonnet.com/life/2004/02/02/stories/2004020200050300.htm |archive-date=24 September 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The fort was built on the instructions of Maharaja Balwant Singh with creamy ''chunar'' [[sandstone]] in the eighteenth century. It is a typically [[Mughal Architecture|Mughal]] style of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and picturesque pavilions.{{cn|date=May 2025}}


The Ramnagar Fort was built by Raja Balwant Singh with creamy ''chunar'' [[sandstone]] in the eighteenth century. It is a typically [[Mughal Architecture|Mughal]] style of [[architecture]] with carved balconies, open courtyards, and picturesque pavilions.{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=216}}
Kashi Naresh donated over 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) of land on the outskirts of the city to build the campus of [[Banaras Hindu University]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Banaras Hindu University, [BHU], Varanasi-221005, U.P., India. – Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. |url=https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Page/1_2_32_73_Main-Site-Campuses |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=bhu.ac.in}}</ref>


[[Kashi Naresh]] donated over 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) of land on the outskirts of the city to build the campus of [[Banaras Hindu University]].
On 28 January 1983, the [[Varanasi#Temples|Kashi Vishwanath Temple]] was taken over by the government of [[Uttar Pradesh]] and its management was transferred to a trust, with the late [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh]], then ''Kashi Naresh'', as president, and an executive committee with the Divisional Commissioner as chairman.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/KASHI.html |title=Official website of Varanasi |access-date=16 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210110217/http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/kashi.html |archive-date=10 February 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
 
On 28 January 1983, the [[Varanasi#Temples|Kashi Vishwanath Temple]] was taken over by the government of [[Uttar Pradesh]] and its management was transferred to a trust, with the late [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh]], then ''Kashi Naresh'', as president, and an executive committee with the Divisional Commissioner as Chairman.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/KASHI.html |title=Official website of Varanasi |access-date=16 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210110217/http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/kashi.html |archive-date=10 February 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


===Ram Leela at Ramnagar===
===Ram Leela at Ramnagar===
When the [[Vijayadashami|Dussehra]] festivities are inaugurated with a colourful pageant, the [[Kashi Naresh]] rides an elephant at the head of the procession. Then, resplendent in silk and brocade, he inaugurates the month-long [[Theatre|folk theatre]] of ''Ramlila'' at [[Ramnagar Fort|Ramnagar]].{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=126}}
When the [[Vijayadashami|Dussehra]] festivities are inaugurated with a colourful pageant, the Kashi Naresh rides an elephant at the head of the procession. Then, resplendent in silk and brocade, he inaugurates the month-long [[Theatre|folk theatre]] of ''Ramlila'' at Ramnagar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=J. Nath |first=Parshathy |title=Slivers of action from the 200-year-old Ramnagar-ki-Ramlila in Varanasi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/slivers-of-action-from-the-200-year-old-ramnagar-ki-ramlila-in-varanasi/article68883017.ece}}</ref>


The [[Ramlila]] is a cycle of plays which recounts the epic story of [[Lord Rama]], as told in ''[[Ramcharitmanas]]'', the version of the [[Ramayana]] written by [[Tulsidas]]. The plays, sponsored by the Maharaja, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days. On the last day the festivities reach a crescendo as [[Rama]] vanquishes the demon king [[Ravana]]. Maharaja [[Udit Narayan Singh]] started this tradition of staging the ''Ramleela'' at Ramnagar in the mid-nineteenth century.{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=126}}
The [[Ramlila]] is a cycle of plays which recounts the epic story of [[Rama]], as told in ''[[Ramcharitmanas]]'', the version of the [[Ramayana]] written by [[Tulsidas]]. The plays, sponsored by the Maharaja, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days. On the last day the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king [[Ravana]]. Maharaja [[Udit Narayan Singh]] started this tradition of staging the ''Ramleela'' at Ramnagar in the mid-nineteenth century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ramnagar Ramlila: All about the 200-yr-old cultural extravaganza |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ramnagar-ramlila-all-about-the-200-yr-old-cultural-extravaganza/story-7LcHTXd9FE7c1fS2eVsdhO.html}}</ref>


Over a million pilgrims arrive annually for the vast processions and performances organized by the Kashi Naresh.<ref>{{Cite book
Over a million pilgrims arrive annually for the vast processions and performances organized by the Kashi Naresh. It has been recognized as an intangible world cultural heritage by UNESCO.<ref>{{Cite book
  | first = Martin
  | first = Martin
  | last = Banham
  | last = Banham
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==Geography==
==Geography==
From 1737, the state included most of present-day [[Bhadohi district|Bhadohi]], [[Chandauli district|Chandauli]], [[Jaunpur district|Jaunpur]], [[Mirzapur district|Mirzapur]], [[Sonbhadra district|Sonbhadra]], and [[Varanasi district|Varanasi]] districts, including the city of Varanasi. Balwant Singh expelled Fazl Ali from present-day [[Ghazipur district|Ghazipur]] and [[Ballia district|Ballia]], and added it to his domains.<ref>"Ghazipur District", [[Imperial Gazetteer of India]], Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1908–1931. v. 12, p. 224.</ref>
From 1737, the state included most of present-day [[Bhadohi district|Bhadohi]], [[Chandauli district|Chandauli]], [[Jaunpur district|Jaunpur]], [[Mirzapur district|Mirzapur]], [[Sonbhadra district|Sonbhadra]], and [[Varanasi district|Varanasi]] districts, including the city of Varanasi. Balwant Singh expelled Fazl Ali from present-day [[Ghazipur district|Ghazipur]] and [[Ballia district|Ballia]], and added it to his domains.{{cn|date=May 2025}}


Between 1775 and 1795, the British gradually took over administration of most of the state, leaving the rajas to directly administer two separate areas – an eastern portion, corresponding to present-day Bhadohi district, and a southern portion, comprising present-day Chakia tehsil of Chandauli district. These two areas made up the princely state of Benares from 1911 to 1948. The rajas retained certain revenues from rents, and certain administrative rights, in the rest of the territory, which the British administered as [[Benares Division]], part of the [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]]. The rajas made their main residence in Ramnagar.
Between 1775 and 1795, the British gradually took over administration of most of the state, leaving the rajas to directly administer two separate areas – an eastern portion, corresponding to present-day Bhadohi district, and a southern portion, comprising present-day Chakia tehsil of Chandauli district. These two areas made up the princely state of Benares from 1911 to 1948. The rajas retained certain revenues from rents, and certain administrative rights, in the rest of the territory, which the British administered as [[Benares Division]], part of the [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]]. The rajas made their main residence in Ramnagar.{{cn|date=May 2025}}


==All India Kashi Raj Trust==
==All India Kashi Raj Trust==
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  | pages = [https://archive.org/details/hinduworld00mitt/page/n669 657]
  | pages = [https://archive.org/details/hinduworld00mitt/page/n669 657]
  }}</ref>
  }}</ref>
==Saraswati Bhawan at Ramnagar Fort==
A rare collection of manuscripts, especially religious writings, is housed in Saraswati Bhawan. It includes a precious handwritten [[manuscript]] by [[Goswami Tulsidas]]. There are also many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers.{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=129}}
==Vyasa Temple at Ramnagar==
Vyasa Kasi, the name by which the temple is called by the people on pilgrimage to Kasi, through ages, is  located near  Ramnagar. A temple for Sage Vyasa is located here facing Kasi on the opposite side of the river Ganga. The temple is at a distance of 19&nbsp;km by road from Kasi. Once upon a time the whole area was covered by a forest of Badari trees. ( Badari is called 'Bel’ or ‘ber’ in Hindi and 'Jujube’ in English). Badari is a thorny bush- like tree which gives small sweet and sour fruits.  Since Vyasa lived among the Badari trees, he was also called ‘Baadarayana’ (a person who  moved among the badari bushes). People who go on pilgrimage to Kasi does not fail to visit Vyasa Kasi. They travel through boats that ply on the river Ganga. But when once they reach Vyasa-Kasi, they finish their tour of the place very quickly and return to Kasi before Sunset. Nobody makes a night halt at this place.
Sage Vyasa,who had to live in this forest along with his disciples some 2000–2500 years ago, is also called by other names such as – Veda Vyasa, Krishna Dwaipayana, Paarasarya (son of Rishi Parasara) and Satyavateya (son of mother Satyavati). He had to live there as he was banished from the city of Kasi by Lord Viswanath, the reigning deity of Kasi.According to a popular Puranic story, when [[Vyasa]] failed to receive alms in [[Varanasi]], he put a curse on the city.{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=129}} Soon after, at a house where [[Parvati]] and [[Shiva]] had taken human form as householders, Vyasa was so pleased with the alms he received that he forgot his curse. However, because of Vyasa's bad temper Shiva banished him from Varanasi. Resolving to remain nearby, Vyasa took up residence on the other side of the Ganges, where his temple may still be seen at Ramnagar.{{sfn|Swati Mitra|2002|p=129}}


==Rulers==
==Rulers==
The rulers of the state carried the title "Maharaja Bahadur"  
The rulers of the state carried the title "Maharaja Bahadur"


=== Maharaja Bahadurs ===
=== Maharaja Bahadurs ===
*1737–1740 [[Narayan dynasty|Mansa Ram Singh]] (d.1740)
*1737–1740 [[Narayan dynasty|Maharaja Mansa Ram Singh]] (d.1740)
 
*1740 – 19 Aug 1770 [[Maharaja Balwant Singh of Benares|Maharaja Balwant Singh]] (b. 1711 – d. 1770)
*1740 – 19 Aug 1770 [[Balwant Singh of Benares|Balwant Singh]] (b. 1711 – d. 1770)
*19 Aug 1770 – 14 Sep 1781 [[Maharaja Chait Singh]] (b. 17.. – d. 1810)
*19 Aug 1770 – 14 Sep 1781 [[Chait Singh]] (b. 17.. – d. 1810)
*14 Sep 1781 – 12 Sep 1795 [[Maharaja Mahip Narayan Singh]] (b. 1756 – d. 1795)
*14 Sep 1781 – 12 Sep 1795 [[Narayan dynasty|Mahip Narayan Singh]] (b. 1756 – d. 1795)
*12 Sep 1795 –  4 Apr 1835  [[Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh]] (b. 1778 – d. 1835)
*12 Sep 1795 –  4 Apr 1835  [[Udit Narayan Singh]] (b. 1778 – d. 1835)
*4 Apr 1835 – 13 Jun 1889  [[Maharaja Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh]] (b. 1822 – d. 1889) (
* 4 Apr 1835 – 13 Jun 1889  [[Narayan dynasty|Ishwari Prasad narayan Singh]](b. 1822 – d. 1889) (
*1 Apr 1911 –  4 Aug 1931  Sir [[Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh]] (b. 1855 – d. 1931)
*4 Aug 1931 –  5 Apr 1939 [[Maharaja Aditya Narayan Singh]] (b. 1874 – d. 1939)
*5 Apr 1939 – 15 Aug 1947 [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh|Maharaja Vibhuti Narayan Singh]] (b. 1927 – d. 2000)


*1 Apr 1911 –  4 Aug 1931  Sir [[Prabhu Narayan Singh]] (b. 1855 – d. 1931)
*4 Aug 1931 –  5 Apr 1939 [[Narayan dynasty|Aditya narayan Singh]] (b. 1874 – d. 1939) (from 3 Jun 1933, Sir Aditya Narayan Singh)
* 5 Apr 1939 – 15 Aug 1947 [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh]] (b. 1927 – d. 2000)
===Titular Maharajas===
===Titular Maharajas===
* 15 Aug 1947 – 25 Dec 2000: [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh]] (b. 1927 – d. 2000)
* 15 Aug 1947 – 25 Dec 2000: [[Vibhuti Narayan Singh]] (b. 1927 – d. 2000)
* 25 Dec 2000– present: Anant Narayan Singh


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Narayan dynasty]]
* [[Oudh State]]
* [[Political integration of India]]
* [[Political integration of India]]
* [[Mughal Empire]]
* [[Maratha Empire]]
* [[Maratha Empire]]
* [[Rajputana]]
* [[Rajputana]]
Line 140: Line 129:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite book |author=Swati Mitra |title = Good Earth Varanasi city guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NviJaunGDJMC&pg=PA124 |publisher = Eicher Goodearth |year = 2002 |isbn = 978-81-87780-04-5 }}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}
*{{commons category-inline}}
{{Princely states of India}}
{{Princely states of India}}
 
{{Portal bar|India}}
{{coord|25.282|N|82.9563|E|region:IN_type:landmark_source:kolossus-svwiki|display=title}}
{{coord|25.282|N|82.9563|E|region:IN_type:landmark_source:kolossus-svwiki|display=title}}


[[Category:1740 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1948 disestablishments in India]]
[[Category:Princely states of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Princely states of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:History of Varanasi]]
[[Category:History of Varanasi]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1740]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 1948]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 1948]]
[[Category:1948 disestablishments in India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1740]]

Latest revision as of 18:44, 9 March 2026


Benares State
1911–1948
Benares State in yellow in the Imperial Gazetteer of India; Benares city and Sarnath are in British India, which is shown in pink.
Benares State in yellow in the Imperial Gazetteer of India; Benares city and Sarnath are in British India, which is shown in pink.
CapitalBenares
Common languagesBhojpuri, Hindi-Urdu, English
Religion
Hinduism (official), Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity
Raja 
• 1740 – 1770 (first)
Balwant Singh
• 1939 – 1947 (last)
Vibhuti Narayan Singh
History 
• Established
1911
1948
Preceded by
Oudh State
Today part ofVaranasi and Chakia in Uttar Pradesh, India
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Raja Chait Singh of Benares State
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The Maharaja's Fort and palace in Ramnagar
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Maharaja of Benares with his courtiers in the 1870s

Banaras State, earlier Benares Estate, was an estate, or hereditary jagir, comprising the family domains of the Maharaja of Benares under the Nawabs of Oudh, East India Company rule, and the British Raj that from 1911 to 1948 was recognized as a princely state.[1]

The estate was founded by the zamindar, Balwant Singh, who assumed the title of "Raja of Benares" in the mid 18th century, taking advantage of the Mughal Empire's disintegration.[2] His descendants had zamindari privileges in an area around Benares city, but not in the city, which the East India Company had annexed under the Treaty of Faizabad in the later 1760s. Benares became a princely state of British Raj in 1911. On October 15, 1949, the State of Benares was merged with Uttar Pradesh.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

Princely State[edit | edit source]

The earliest rulers of the later princely state of Benares were originally Zamindars for the Awadh province of the Mughal Empire who later became an independent state. Most of the area currently known as Varanasi was acquired by Mansa Ram, a zamindar of Utaria. Balwant Singh, the ruler of Utaria in 1737, took over the Jagirs of Jaunpur (except Bayalasi which was ruled independently by Zamindar of Purenw), Varanasi, and Chunar, in 1737 from the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah of Delhi.[4] The Kingdom of Benaras started in this way during the Mughal dynasty. Other places under the kingship of Kashi Naresh were Chandauli, Gyanpur, Chakia, Latifshah, Mirzapur, Nandeshwar, Mint House and Vindhyachal.[5]

As the Mughal suzerainty weakened, the Benares zamindari became Banaras State, thus Balwant Singh of the Narayan dynasty gained control of the territories and declared himself Maharaja of Benares in 1740.[2] The strong clan organization on which they rested, brought success to the lesser known Hindu princes.[6] There were as many as 100,000 Bhumihar clansmen[7] backing the power of the Benares rajas in what later became the districts of Benares, Gorakhpur and Azamgarh.[6] This proved a decisive advantage when the dynasty faced a rival and the nominal suzerain, the Nawab of Oudh, in the 1750s and the 1760s.[6] An exhausting guerrilla war, waged by the Benares ruler against the Oudh camp, using his troops, forced the Nawab to withdraw his main force .This victory further strengthened the control over his domains.[6]

Benares became a princely state in 1911. It was given the privilege of the 13-gun salute.[citation needed]

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Throne of Raja of Benaras, at National Museum, Delhi.


History of Ramnagar[edit | edit source]

The residential palace of the Naresh is the Ramnagar Fort at Ramnagar near Varanasi, which is next to the river Ganges.[8] The fort was built on the instructions of Maharaja Balwant Singh with creamy chunar sandstone in the eighteenth century. It is a typically Mughal style of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and picturesque pavilions.[citation needed]

Kashi Naresh donated over 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) of land on the outskirts of the city to build the campus of Banaras Hindu University.[9]

On 28 January 1983, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was taken over by the government of Uttar Pradesh and its management was transferred to a trust, with the late Vibhuti Narayan Singh, then Kashi Naresh, as president, and an executive committee with the Divisional Commissioner as chairman.[10]

Ram Leela at Ramnagar[edit | edit source]

When the Dussehra festivities are inaugurated with a colourful pageant, the Kashi Naresh rides an elephant at the head of the procession. Then, resplendent in silk and brocade, he inaugurates the month-long folk theatre of Ramlila at Ramnagar.[11]

The Ramlila is a cycle of plays which recounts the epic story of Rama, as told in Ramcharitmanas, the version of the Ramayana written by Tulsidas. The plays, sponsored by the Maharaja, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days. On the last day the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king Ravana. Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh started this tradition of staging the Ramleela at Ramnagar in the mid-nineteenth century.[12]

Over a million pilgrims arrive annually for the vast processions and performances organized by the Kashi Naresh. It has been recognized as an intangible world cultural heritage by UNESCO.[13]

Geography[edit | edit source]

From 1737, the state included most of present-day Bhadohi, Chandauli, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Varanasi districts, including the city of Varanasi. Balwant Singh expelled Fazl Ali from present-day Ghazipur and Ballia, and added it to his domains.[citation needed]

Between 1775 and 1795, the British gradually took over administration of most of the state, leaving the rajas to directly administer two separate areas – an eastern portion, corresponding to present-day Bhadohi district, and a southern portion, comprising present-day Chakia tehsil of Chandauli district. These two areas made up the princely state of Benares from 1911 to 1948. The rajas retained certain revenues from rents, and certain administrative rights, in the rest of the territory, which the British administered as Benares Division, part of the United Provinces. The rajas made their main residence in Ramnagar.[citation needed]

All India Kashi Raj Trust[edit | edit source]

Serious work on the Puranas began when the All India Kashiraj Trust was formed under the patronage and guidance of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh, the Maharaja of Kashi, which, in addition to producing critical editions of the Puranas, also published the journal Puranam.[14]

Rulers[edit | edit source]

The rulers of the state carried the title "Maharaja Bahadur"

Maharaja Bahadurs[edit | edit source]

Titular Maharajas[edit | edit source]

  • 15 Aug 1947 – 25 Dec 2000: Vibhuti Narayan Singh (b. 1927 – d. 2000)
  • 25 Dec 2000– present: Anant Narayan Singh

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Cohen, Saul B., ed. (2008), The Columbia Gazetteer of the World, Volume I, A–G (2 ed.), Columbia University Press, p. 382, ISBN 978-0-231-14554-1, Benares, former princely state, N INDIA, created in 1911; Ramnagar town added in 1918; joined Gwalior Residency in 1936. Merged in 1949 with Benares (now VARNASI district. Also spelled Banaras.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bayly, C. A. (19 May 1988). Rulers, Townsmen and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870. CUP Archive. pp. 17–. ISBN 978-0-521-31054-3.
  3. ↑ India-Pakistan Yearbook and Who's Who, vol. 36, Bennet Coleman Company, 1950, p. 315, March 1949 to April 1950: October 15, State of Benares is merged with Uttar Pradesh
  4. ↑ Sen, Rajani Ranjan (1912). The Holy City (Benares). M.R. Sen.
  5. ↑ Pathak, Shreya (2014). The Ruling Dynasty of Benares State-Rise and Development (1740–1950). Anamika Publishers & Distributors. ISBN 9788179754771.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Bayly, Christopher Alan (1983). Rulers, Townsmen, and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870. Cambridge University Press. p. 489 (at p 18). ISBN 978-0-521-31054-3.
  7. ↑ Bayly, C. A. (19 May 1988). Rulers, Townsmen and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770-1870. CUP Archive. ISBN 9780521310543.
  8. ↑ "A review of Varanasi". Archived from the original on 24 September 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2006.
  9. ↑ "Banaras Hindu University, [BHU], Varanasi-221005, U.P., India. – Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India". bhu.ac.in. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  10. ↑ "Official website of Varanasi". Archived from the original on 10 February 2007. Retrieved 16 August 2006.
  11. ↑ J. Nath, Parshathy. "Slivers of action from the 200-year-old Ramnagar-ki-Ramlila in Varanasi".
  12. ↑ "Ramnagar Ramlila: All about the 200-yr-old cultural extravaganza".
  13. ↑ Banham, Martin (1995). The Cambridge Guide to Theatre (second ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 1247. ISBN 978-0-521-43437-9.
  14. ↑ Mittal, Sushil (2004). The Hindu World. Routledge. pp. 657. ISBN 978-0-415-21527-5.

External links[edit | edit source]

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