Kashi, Varanasi and Banaras are the names of the same city situated on the bank of the sacred river Ganga. The Puranas speak of Varanasi as the world mother, with Lolarka and Adikesava as her two eyes, Varuna and Asi as her two arms and with what is locally known as the Triveni as her braid of hair.

The book describes 'Kasi through the Ages'. Kasi was the name of an ancient kingdom also. It's Geography, Political History, Social and Economic life as well as its archaeological importance has been thoroughly discussed in the book. Eight plates showing examples of sculptural art of Kasi, discovered at Sarnath, add to the book's importance.

About the Author:

Dr. Rajendra Pandey (b. 1936) obtained his education at Sitapur, U.P., his birth place, and later moved to Lucknow for his graduate and post-graduate studies. He chose Ancient Indian History and Archaeology for his M.A. (19580. after conducting research for a while under Dr. R. K. Dikshit, he moved to Sagar University to work with Prof. K. D. Bajpai and obtained his Ph.D degree from the Lucknow University. Presently he is working as Head, Deptt. Of History, Degree College, Hardoi.

Dr. Pandey has published several articles on the archaeological wealth of eastern U.P. He has published three books (in Hindi): Avadha Ki Loota, Bharat Ka Sanskritik Itihasa and Bhartiya Itihasa Kosh.

Foreword

Preface

Abbreviations

1. Geography

2. Political History

3. Social Life

4. Economic Life

5. Education

6. Religion

7. Archaeological Remains

   Appendices

1. A Note on the Brahmadattas of Kasi

2. Hiuen T'Sang Account of Varanasi

   Index