World Philosophy Atlas
Varanasi
- Varanasi
Also Benares, Kashi
Varanasi, on the Ganges, is one of India's sacred cities. At Sarnath, an archaeological site just north of the city, tradition holds that the Buddha began teaching his followers; the Dhamek Stupa marks the place, and the emperor Ashoka later raised a pillar crowned with four lions, now the basis of India's state emblem. In the twentieth century Benares Hindu University brought modern academic philosophy to the city: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as its vice-chancellor throughout the Second World War, from late 1939 to January 1948.
When
- 450 BCE The Buddha's first teaching By tradition at Sarnath; the SEP places the Buddha's activity about 450 BCE.
- 1939–1948 Benares Hindu University Radhakrishnan's vice-chancellorship.
Schools and institutions
- Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Marks the place where, by tradition, the Buddha first taught.
- Benares Hindu University Radhakrishnan was vice-chancellor from late 1939 to mid-January 1948.
Thinkers
- The Buddha c. 480 – 400 BCE (disputed)taught here (By tradition he began teaching his followers at Sarnath; his dates are disputed.)
- Radhakrishnan 1888 – 1975worked here, 1939–1948 (Vice-chancellor of Benares Hindu University from late 1939 to mid-January 1948.)
Sources: Britannica: Sarnath · IEP: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan · SEP: Buddha