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The Emergence of Kashi in 1250 BCE - A Sacred City Rises on the Ganges
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Around 1250 BCE, the ancient city of Kashi (modern-day Varanasi) emerged as a significant spiritual and cultural center in northern India. Situated along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Kashi quickly became one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a focal point of early Hinduism.
According to Hindu tradition, Kashi was founded by Shiva himself, making it an eternal city beyond destruction. Legends say that even during the great deluge (pralaya), Kashi remained untouched, held aloft by Shiva's trident.
While direct archaeological records from 1250 BCE are scarce, later excavations in Varanasi reveal continuous habitation dating back to at least the early first millennium BCE. The city's deep cultural layers suggest an even older origin, possibly aligning with its legendary founding.
Kashi's establishment marked the beginning of its enduring role as a center of learning, philosophy, and devotion. By the time of the Buddha (6th century BCE), it was already a well-known city, and it remains one of Hinduism's holiest pilgrimage sites today.
Note: While the exact founding date of Kashi is unclear, 1250 BCE serves as a symbolic marker for its early prominence in Indian history and mythology. If you'd like more details on its later developments (such as during the Mahajanapada period or under the Guptas), let me know!