The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been an ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Its importance in Hindu mythology is almost unparalleled. One of the earliest descriptions of Varanasi is found in the Buddhist scriptures and in the epic, 'Mahabharata'. Due to its location and prosperity, Varanasi was raided over and over again by Muslim rulers; from Mahmud of Ghazni to Ghauri to the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji and most of all, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. As a result, most of the ancient temples and other structures were destroyed. What remain now are mostly about 200 years old, and not many which are earlier than the 17th century. The history of Varanasi lives however, in the repository of old manuscripts, the folk traditions and most importantly, through its people.
