Kingdom of Kashi

The Kingdom of Kashi was an ancient Indian kingdom located in the region around its capital Varanasi, the latter bounded by the Varuna and Asi rivers in the north and south which gave Varanasi its name. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, great states that emerged in northern India at the start of the 6th century BCE. It is important to note that Kashi was bigger than Varanasi. Its easternmost border was the Son River, which was also the western border of erstwhile Magadh. It would have covered much of the area of Eastern UP centered around today's Varanasi and contemporary southwestern part of Bihar that was Arrah (Shahabad) district which today comprises Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur and Buxar districts. Technically, Kashi would be a large area today dominated by people of the Bhojpuri language and culture. Kashi Mahajanpad would still be larger than what is covered within the Panch Krosh Kashi, as defined in the Puranas.

This article is about the ancient Mahajanapada Kingdom of Kashi, not about the modern Kashi Naresh kingdom that later became the Princely State of Benares. For other, see Benares State.
Kingdom of Kashi

Kashi and other kingdoms of the late Vedic period.
Kashi and other Mahajanapadas in the Post Vedic period.
CapitalVaranasi
Religion
Hinduism
Buddhism
Jainism
GovernmentMonarchy
Succeeded by
Kosala

At the time of Chanakya, Kashi was still the center of Vedic and secular education par excellence, despite the prominence of Magadh which hinged more on military prowess. While Varanasi itself came under Buddhist influence, Shahabad remained a dominion of Brahmanic Shaivite culture, as reported by Chinese pilgrims.

The Jataka tales indicate its capital was one of the richest cities in India, speaking highly of its prosperity and opulence.[1]

These stories tell of a prolonged rivalry between the neighboring kingdoms of Kashi and Kosala, with also some occasional conflict with Anga and Magadha. Kashi once was one of the most powerful states in north India,[1] and although King Brihadratha of Kashi conquered Kosala, Kashi was later incorporated into Kosala by King Kansa during Buddha's time.[2] The Kashis along with the Kosalas and Videhans find mention in Vedic texts and appear to have been a closely allied people.

It was in Kashi territory where Siddartha Gautama first started preaching the Buddhism religion.

References
  1. Singh, Upinder (2008). A history of ancient and early medieval India: from the Stone Age to the 12th century. Pearson Education. pp. 258–262. ISBN 9788131711200.
  2. https://sreenivasaraos.com/tag/history-of-kashi/


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