The Early Settlements of Varanasi: Uncovering the City’s Prehistoric Past

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India, Varanasi has a rich history dating back several millennia. The city has been a center of learning, culture, and spirituality for centuries, attracting scholars, philosophers, and seekers from around the world. In this post, we will explore the early settlements of Varanasi, uncovering the city’s prehistoric past.

Varanasi is believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. The area around Varanasi has yielded evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic period, around 500,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered stone tools, pottery, and other artifacts that suggest the presence of early human settlements.

The first known civilization in the Varanasi region was the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that was centered around the Indus River in present-day Pakistan and northwestern India. The civilization was known for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and intricate trade networks.

While the Indus Valley Civilization was centered around the Indus River, it had trading connections with other parts of the subcontinent, including the Ganges Valley. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Indus Valley Civilization had a presence in the Varanasi region, with artifacts such as beads, pottery, and seals found in excavations.

Following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, the Varanasi region was inhabited by various groups, including the Kuru and Panchala kingdoms. The Kuru and Panchala kingdoms were two of the sixteen Mahajanapadas or great kingdoms of ancient India. The Mahajanapadas were powerful political and economic entities that emerged in the 6th century BCE and dominated the subcontinent until the rise of the Mauryan Empire in the 4th century BCE.

The Kuru kingdom was centered around the region that is now Delhi, while the Panchala kingdom was located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh. The Panchala kingdom was divided into two regions, the Northern Panchala and Southern Panchala, with the capital of the Northern Panchala located in the city of Ahichchhatra, and the capital of the Southern Panchala located in the city of Kampilya.

The Varanasi region was located between the Kuru and Panchala kingdoms and was strategically important due to its location on the banks of the Ganges River. The region was an important center of trade and commerce, and several small towns and villages grew up around the river. These settlements were often fortified with walls and gates to protect against invaders.

The rise of Buddhism in the 6th century BCE brought significant changes to the Varanasi region. The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is believed to have visited the city several times and delivered sermons at various locations in and around the city. The Buddha’s teachings attracted a large number of followers, and several monasteries and religious centers were established in the region.

The Mauryan Empire, which emerged in the 4th century BCE, brought further development to the Varanasi region. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who ruled from 268 BCE to 232 BCE, was a patron of Buddhism and established several monasteries and stupas in the region. The Mauryan Empire was also known for its advanced infrastructure, and several roads and bridges were built in the Varanasi region during this period.

The Gupta Empire, which emerged in the 4th century CE, was another significant period in the history of the Varanasi region. The Gupta Empire was known for its patronage of the arts and sciences, and several scholars and artists flourished in the Varanasi region during this period. The city of Varanasi became an important center of learning and culture, attracting scholars from around the world.

The early settlements of Varanasi were primarily located on the banks of the Ganges River, which provided a source of water, food, and transportation. The settlements were often fortified with walls and gates to protect against invaders. The people who lived in these settlements were primarily farmers, traders, and craftsmen.

Archaeological excavations in the Varanasi region have uncovered several important sites that shed light on the city’s prehistoric past. One of the most important sites is the Sarnath Archaeological Site, which is located about 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi. Sarnath is the site where the Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, and it was an important center of Buddhist learning and culture.

The Sarnath Archaeological Site has yielded several important artifacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is now the national emblem of India. The site also has several stupas, monasteries, and other structures that provide insights into the architecture and art of the Mauryan and Gupta periods.

Another important site in the Varanasi region is the Rajghat Archaeological Site, which is located on the banks of the Ganges River in the city of Varanasi. The Rajghat site has several structures, including a fortification wall, a stupa, and a temple, that date back to the Mauryan and Gupta periods. The site also has several inscriptions that provide valuable information about the rulers and the people who lived in the region during this period.

The Chunar Fort is another important site in the Varanasi region. The fort is located on the banks of the Ganges River, about 40 kilometers from Varanasi. The fort dates back to the Gupta period and has several structures, including a palace, a mosque, and a temple. The fort was strategically important due to its location on the banks of the river and was often fought over by various rulers.

Final remarks

In conclusion, the early settlements of Varanasi provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s prehistoric past. The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, and several civilizations and kingdoms have left their mark on the city. The city’s strategic location on the banks of the Ganges River has made it an important center of trade and commerce, and it has attracted scholars, artists, and seekers from around the world. The archaeological sites in the Varanasi region provide valuable insights into the architecture, art, and culture of the Mauryan and Gupta periods, and they continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike.