Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t2.116

v2.c13.s3.t2.116

The city has continued to uphold its reputation with now four universities (namely Banaras Hindu University, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Sampoornanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Institute of Tibetan Higher Studies), the Arabic University, and scores of educational institutions focussing on the most ancient to modern learnings and covering various branches of knowledge ranging from art, music and literature to the science. It is the place of hundreds of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples of all sects—the most famous being the Vishwanath Temple (7th century) and the Mahadev Temple (recognised as the oldest surviving temple of the Gupta period), numerous ghats (embankments on the river) with each having its own special characteristics, famous brocade work and saris, wooden toys and not the least its paan (betel leaves). The mere linking of the name Banaras, Varanasi or Kashi to an object, profession or art evinces special characteristics, and there is perhaps no other city which is reputed to flavours of so many elements of the society.