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It
is not just the Hindus who venerate Varanasi today, for the city has
links with Buddhism and Jainism as well. It was at Sarnath close by
that Buddha preached his first sermon nearly 25 centuries ago. Lord
Mahavir also revealed his Jain philosophy at Kasi. It was here too
that Shankaracharya wrote his commentaries on Hinduism, leading to
the great Hindu revival.
Varanasi
has always been a centre of trade and commerce famous for its silks
and brocades and in the 19th century, Lord Macaulay
was to describe it as a "city which, in wealth, population,
dignity and sanctity was among the foremost in Asia". He went
on to give a glimpse of its commercial importance saying, "all
along the shore lay great fleets of vessels laden with rich
merchandise. From the looms of Benaras went forth the most delicate
silks, that adorned the halls of St. James and of Versailles, and in
the bazaars, the muslins of Bengal and sabres of Oude were mingled
with the jewels of Golconda and the shawls of Cashmere ". Such
was the wealth of Benaras. Even today the city exerts a fascination
that is unique in India – attracting visitors from around India
and abroad.
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