Banaras Tradition and Culture

About the Book The book presents a rich and surprising account of the recent history of the north Indian city of Banaras. Supplementing traditional accounts, which have focused upon the city's religious work.

This is a tribute to her Creator, Lord Shiva, and the crescent moon that adorns His hair. Banaras methodologically or topically Our second purpose, then, was to suggest by these juxtaposed examinations new ways to approach the history of Banaras.

The book also examines the essential ambiguity of modernization schemes in the city as well as the contingency of elements of religious narrative. The introduction, moreover, attempts to resituate Banaras into a wider tradition of urban studies in South Asia.

Preface Importance of Banaras in India and especially for Hindus; various aspects of Banaras, its many names and what makes it the cultural capital of India. Religious Varanasi- Many religions, place and types of worship, a religious place and institutions. You will find that even Primitive worship cults are still practiced in this city. Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva, and the place where He and the Goddess Parvati founded the universe. Take a closer look at the map- you will see that Varanasi is shaped like a crescent moon. This is a tribute to her Creator, Lord Shiva, and the crescent moon that adorns His hair. Banaras methodologically or topically Our second purpose, then, was to suggest by these juxtaposed examinations new ways to approach the history of South Asia. The topical implications of such new approaches are discussed in greater detail.

**Contents and Sample Pages**