Raja of Benares

The Raja of Benares was a historical title for the ruler of Banaras (Varanasi), an important religious and cultural city in India. The title signified authority over the region and its people, often held by local aristocrats or princely states during British rule. The Raja played a key role in managing the city’s spiritual, social, and political affairs, and the title was associated with a deep heritage of tradition and governance. Today, it is largely a ceremonial designation reflecting the city’s rich history as a center of Hindu culture and religion.