Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t2.107

v2.c13.s3.t2.107

Beginning with the 13^th century, Varanasi came under the Muslim rulers and began to be known as Benaras. It was dominated until the 14^th century by the Turko-Afghans. The Sharqi kings of Jaunpur and the Lodhis ruled over it in the 15^th century. Later, the Surs and Mughals frequently fought for its control. It was finally captured by Akbar in 1567. The Mughals controlled it until 1725 when the Nawab of Awadh handed over the revenue directly to Mansaram, founder of the present ruling family of Kashi. His son, Balwant Singh, rebelled against Awadh and established an independent kingdom. In 1794, it came under the British rule but the descendants of the ruling family were allowed to continue as the zamindars and nominal kings. After Independence, Kashi/Varanasi became a division of the state of Uttar Pradesh.