Famous Personality

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Here are a few famous people from Varanasi:

Bismillah Khan

Yes, Bismillah Khan was a legendary Indian shehnai player and a classical musician from Varanasi. He was born in 1916 and was one of the leading exponents of the shehnai, a musical instrument similar to the oboe. Bismillah Khan was known for his distinctive playing style and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music. He was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2001.

Bismillah Khan was also a cultural ambassador for India, representing the country in several international events and spreading the rich musical heritage of India. He was known for his simple and humble nature, and his music continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.

Pandit Gudai Maharaj

Pandit Gudai Maharaj was a famous Indian classical dancer and choreographer from Varanasi. He was a disciple of the legendary dancer, Pandit Kankan Maharaj, and was known for his mastery of the Kathak dance form. He was a prolific performer and taught Kathak dance to many students, who went on to become renowned dancers themselves.

Pandit Gudai Maharaj was also a respected teacher and was known for his ability to bring out the best in his students. He was dedicated to preserving the traditional forms of Kathak and was a strong advocate for the preservation of India’s classical dance heritage.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian classical dance, Pandit Gudai Maharaj was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away in 2016, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of Indian classical dance.

Pandit Kishan Maharaj

Pandit Kishan Maharaj was a renowned Indian classical tabla player and percussionist from Varanasi. He was born into a family of musicians and began his musical journey at a young age. He was a disciple of the legendary tabla player, Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, and learned the intricacies of the tabla from him.

Pandit Kishan Maharaj was known for his virtuosity on the tabla and his ability to bring a unique and innovative style to the instrument. He was a sought-after performer and collaborated with some of the leading classical musicians of his time.

Pandit Kishan Maharaj was also a respected teacher and trained several students, who went on to become successful musicians themselves. In recognition of his contributions to Indian classical music, he was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away in 2008, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of Indian classical music.

 Girija Devi

Girija Devi was a legendary Indian classical singer and exponent of the thumri style of singing. She was born in 1929 in Varanasi and was trained in classical music from a young age. She went on to become one of the leading classical vocalists of her time and was known for her powerful voice and her ability to evoke emotions through her music.

Girija Devi was a versatile singer and was known for her interpretations of classical, devotional, and light classical forms of music. She was a sought-after performer and collaborated with some of the leading classical musicians of her time.

Girija Devi was also a respected teacher and trained several students, who went on to become successful musicians themselves. In recognition of her contributions to Indian classical music, she was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. She passed away in 2017, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of Indian classical music.

Birju Maharaj

Birju Maharaj is a renowned Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher of the Kathak dance form. He was born into a family of legendary Kathak dancers in Varanasi and began his dance training at a young age. He is a disciple of the legendary dancer, Pandit Acchan Maharaj, and is considered to be one of the leading exponents of Kathak dance in the world.

Birju Maharaj is known for his virtuosity, musicality, and innovative style in Kathak. He has performed extensively both in India and abroad, and has collaborated with some of the leading classical musicians and dancers of his time. He has also been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

Birju Maharaj is also a respected teacher and has trained several students, who have gone on to become successful dancers in their own right. He has been instrumental in promoting and preserving the traditional forms of Kathak and continues to inspire and influence the world of Indian classical dance.

Munshi Premchand

Munshi Premchand was a famous Indian writer and novelist of Hindi-Urdu literature. He was born in 1880 in Varanasi and was one of the most influential writers of modern Hindi-Urdu literature. His works include several novels and short stories that deal with social and political issues of the time.

Premchand was known for his realistic and humanistic approach to storytelling, and his works are widely considered to be a reflection of Indian society and its complexities. Some of his most famous works include “Godan”, “Kafan”, and “Gaban”.

Premchand was also a social reformer and was actively involved in various movements for the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society. He was a strong advocate for women’s rights and sought to address social issues such as caste discrimination, poverty, and illiteracy through his writings.

Premchand passed away in 1936, but his legacy continues to influence and inspire generations of writers and readers in India and beyond. He is considered one of the greatest writers of Hindi-Urdu literature and his works are widely read and celebrated even today.

Bharatendu Harishchandra

Bharatendu Harishchandra was an Indian writer, playwright, and poet, who was born in Varanasi in 1850. He is widely regarded as the father of modern Hindi literature and is credited with modernizing Hindi poetry and drama.

Harishchandra was a prolific writer and his works include several plays, poems, and essays. He was known for his progressive and liberal views and used his writings to raise awareness about social issues and to challenge the traditional norms of society.

Harishchandra was also a strong advocate of education and was one of the pioneers of the Indian independence movement. He sought to promote the use of Hindi as a literary language and worked tirelessly to raise the status of Hindi literature.

In recognition of his contributions to Hindi literature, Harishchandra was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away in 1885, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and intellectuals in India.

Jaishankar Prasad

Jaishankar Prasad was a renowned Indian writer, poet, and playwright, who was born in Varanasi in 1890. He was one of the leading figures of the Chhayavad literary movement in Hindi literature and is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of modern Hindi literature.

Prasad was a prolific writer and his works include several poems, plays, and essays. He was known for his imaginative and lyrical style and his works are celebrated for their philosophical depth and emotional intensity. Some of his most famous works include “Kamayani”, “Jankhar”, and “Dhruva”.

Prasad was also a social reformer and sought to address issues such as caste discrimination, poverty, and illiteracy through his writings. He was a strong advocate for women’s rights and sought to empower women through his works.

In recognition of his contributions to Hindi literature, Prasad was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away in 1937, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and intellectuals in India.

Kabir Das

Kabir Das was a legendary Indian mystic poet and saint who lived in the 15th century. He was born in Varanasi and was known for his devotional poetry that combined elements of Hinduism, Islam, and Sufism.

Kabir’s poetry was characterized by its simple language, philosophical depth, and spiritual insight. He challenged the traditional religious beliefs and practices of his time and advocated for a direct, personal experience of the divine.

Kabir’s poetry was written in the Hindi-Urdu language and his songs, known as “Kabir Ke Dohe”, are widely popular even today. These songs address themes such as love, devotion, and the search for truth and have been passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition.

Kabir’s teachings continue to inspire and influence people across religious and cultural divides, and his legacy has been recognized and celebrated by scholars, poets, and mystics alike. He is considered one of the greatest saints and spiritual leaders of India and his poems and songs are widely regarded as timeless classics of Indian devotional literature.

Sant Ravidas

Sant Ravidas was a 15th-century Indian saint, poet, and social reformer who lived in Varanasi. He was born into a lower-caste family and faced discrimination and oppression because of his caste, but he went on to become a celebrated spiritual leader and poet.

Ravidas was a disciple of the great saint and poet Guru Nanak and was known for his devotional poetry, which was written in the Hindi-Urdu language. His poems, known as “Shabads”, are widely popular even today and are celebrated for their simple language, philosophical depth, and spiritual insight.

Ravidas was also a strong advocate for social justice and sought to uplift the oppressed and marginalized sections of society. He challenged the caste system and advocated for equality and dignity for all people, regardless of their caste or social status.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian spiritual and social life, Sant Ravidas has been revered as a saint by millions of people and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of people across India and beyond. His teachings have been passed down from generation to generation and his poems and songs are widely regarded as timeless classics of Indian devotional literature.

Tulsi Das

Tulsidas was a 16th-century Indian poet, saint, and reformer who lived in Varanasi. He was a devotee of Lord Rama and is best known for writing the epic poem “Ramcharitmanas”, which is an interpretation of the Hindu epic “Ramayana” in the Awadhi language.

Tulsidas was born into a lower-caste family and faced discrimination and oppression because of his caste, but he went on to become a celebrated spiritual leader and poet. He was known for his devotion to Lord Rama and his simple and direct approach to spirituality, which inspired and influenced millions of people.

“Ramcharitmanas” is considered one of the greatest works of Indian literature and is widely regarded as a classic of Hindu devotional literature. It is widely read and recited even today and is considered a source of spiritual inspiration and guidance for millions of people.

Tulsidas was also a social reformer and sought to uplift the oppressed and marginalized sections of society. He challenged the caste system and advocated for equality and dignity for all people, regardless of their caste or social status.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian literature and spirituality, Tulsidas has been revered as a saint by millions of people and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of people across India and beyond. His teachings and writings continue to be widely read and revered and are considered timeless classics of Indian devotional literature.

Annie Besant

Annie Besant was a British theosophist, women’s rights activist, and Indian independence activist who lived in India for several decades. She was born in London in 1847 and spent most of her life in India, where she became involved in various social and political causes.

Besant was a leading figure in the Theosophical Society, an organization dedicated to the study of spirituality and religion. She was also a strong advocate for women’s rights and worked to improve the status of women in India. She was a member of the Indian National Congress and was involved in the Indian independence movement.

In addition to her political activism, Besant was also a prolific writer and public speaker. She wrote several books on various topics, including theosophy, spirituality, women’s rights, and Indian independence. She was a charismatic and inspiring leader and attracted many followers in India and around the world.

Besant died in 1933, but her legacy lives on in India and around the world. She is remembered as a pioneer in the fields of women’s rights and Indian independence and as a visionary who worked tirelessly to promote social justice and spiritual progress.

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was a Hindu nationalist leader, educationist, and independence activist from India. He was born in 1861 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, and spent most of his life working for the independence of India and the betterment of Indian society.

Malaviya was a leader of the Indian National Congress and was one of the main voices calling for Indian independence from British rule. He was a strong advocate for Hindu nationalism and sought to promote Hindu culture and values. He was also a strong believer in the importance of education and worked tirelessly to improve the education system in India.

One of Malaviya’s most significant contributions to Indian society was the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. He founded the university in 1916 with the aim of providing a modern and comprehensive education to students from all over India. BHU is now one of the largest and most prestigious universities in India, and its students and alumni have made major contributions to Indian society and the world.

Malaviya was also a prolific writer and public speaker, and his speeches and writings on Hindu nationalism and Indian independence inspired many people. He died in 1946, just a few years before India gained independence from British rule, but his legacy lives on in the Banaras Hindu University and the many students and alumni who have been inspired by his vision and ideals.

Rani Lakshmibai

Rani Lakshmibai was a warrior queen of the Maratha-ruled state of Jhansi in North India, and is remembered as one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. She was born in 1828 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao.

After the death of her husband, Rani Lakshmibai was faced with the challenge of protecting her kingdom and her adopted son from the British, who sought to annex Jhansi. She refused to surrender and instead raised an army to defend Jhansi. She led her troops into battle and became known for her bravery and leadership skills.

Rani Lakshmibai is remembered as a symbol of resistance against British rule and as a champion of women’s rights. She is often depicted as a powerful and fearless warrior, who was not afraid to fight for what was right. She remains a popular figure in Indian history and is revered as a hero in many parts of India.

The story of Rani Lakshmibai’s life and her role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 has been the subject of many books, plays, and movies. Her bravery and leadership continue to inspire people and her legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance and courage.

Acharya Shrushruta

Sushruta was an ancient Indian physician and surgeon who lived in the northern region of India, in or around the city of Varanasi. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of medicine and is considered the father of Indian surgery.

Sushruta lived around 600 BCE and wrote the “Sushruta Samhita”, an ancient Indian text on medicine and surgery. The text is considered one of the foundational works of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, and provides a comprehensive overview of medical knowledge and practices at the time.

In the “Sushruta Samhita”, Sushruta described a wide range of surgical procedures, including rhinoplasty (nose surgery), cataract surgery, and the treatment of fractures and dislocations. He also discussed the use of surgical instruments, such as scalpels, needles, and forceps, and the principles of sterilization and wound healing.

Sushruta’s contributions to the field of medicine have been recognized and revered in India for thousands of years, and his teachings have been passed down through generations of physicians and surgeons. Today, his legacy continues to influence the practice of medicine and surgery in India and around the world.

Lahiri Mahashaya

Lahiri Mahashaya, also known as Shyama Charan Lahiri, was an Indian yogi and mystic who lived in Varanasi in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the Kriya Yoga tradition, which is a form of spiritual practice that emphasizes the control of the breath as a means of spiritual advancement.

Lahiri Mahashaya was a disciple of Babaji, an immortal sage and master of Kriya Yoga who is said to have lived for thousands of years. According to tradition, Lahiri Mahashaya received initiation into Kriya Yoga from Babaji and became a teacher of the tradition, passing on its teachings to a small number of disciples.

Lahiri Mahashaya’s teachings and practices spread slowly but steadily, and today Kriya Yoga is practiced by thousands of people around the world. Lahiri Mahashaya’s legacy continues to influence the spiritual life of many people, and he is remembered as a great master of Kriya Yoga and a powerful spiritual figure.

In recognition of his contributions to the Kriya Yoga tradition, Lahiri Mahashaya has been honored with many monuments and memorials in India and other countries. His teachings and practices are widely available in books and other materials, and continue to inspire people to this day.