RESEARCH THESIS

ARCHITECTURAL NARRATIVES OF VARANASI GHAT

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
 Introduction
Varanasi also Benares, Banaras or Kashi is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the
traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world.The city has a syncretic tradition of Muslim artisanship that
underpins its religious tourism.[21] Located in the middle-Ganges valley in the southeastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh,
Varanasi lies on the left bank of the river.
Varanasi is located 797 km southeast of Delhi, 320 km southeast of Lucknow and 121 km east of Prayag raj.(Allahabad.)

Varanasi is known for its Ghats,

Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges and is known for its spiritual and religious significance in Hinduism.
The city is renowned for its many historic ghats, including the cremation ghats where Hindu cremation rituals take
place. Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are the prime cremation ghats here.
It is believed in Hinduism that in the city of ghats, the soul leaves the human body and rises up towards salvation.
There are basically 84 ghats in Varanasi but 8 Ghats are well famous.
All 8 Ghats have their own history and their unique design.

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Aim
• Cultural Significance: Investigating the cultural context of the Ghats helps in meanings behind their
architectural elements.
• Study of Urban Planning and Design of Selected ghats
• Research explores the relationship between the architectural features of the ghats and the religious
practices conducted there.
Objective
• Rituals and Ceremonies of ghats
• Physical Connection with the Ganges
• Cultural Identity
• Expression of Art and Craftsmanship
• Practical Utilization
• Understanding of heritage
Scope
• The study aims to provide insights into the historical and cultural importance of the ghats, examining
their role in religious practices and social life.
• Propose recommendations for the conservation and preservation of the ghats, considering both cultural
heritage and environmental sustainability.
• The research will involve engaging with local communities, religious leaders, and stakeholders to gather
perspectives on the ghats and their cultural significance.
• Study the integration of Varanasi Ghats within the urban fabric.
• Evaluate their role in shaping the city’s identity and the relationship with surrounding neighborhoods.
L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL
L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Limitations
• The research will be confined to the selected ghats and these ghats those will be comprehensively studied.
• The interpretation of cultural and social aspects may be subjective, influenced by the researcher's interview
with local peoples and availble liteture.
• The study will be made on the architectural and cultural characteristics.

Methodology
• Clearly state the research objectives and questions.
• Literature case studies on the historical, cultural, and architectural aspects of the ghats in Varanasi.
• Analyze previous research to identify gaps or areas requiring further exploration.
• Investigate the historical development of Varanasi and the evolution of its ghats over time.
• Conduct a detailed architectural analysis of selected ghats, considering elements such as design, materials,
and construction techniques.
• Examine the spatial organization and layout of the ghats.
• Document and analyze the unique architectural features and historical significance of each selected ghat.
• Conduct interviews or surveys with local residents, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to understand
their perspectives on the ghats.
• Compare the architectural features of Varanasi's ghats with similar structures in other regions or historical
periods.

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Introduction : Varanasi and their Ghats

The holy land of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, also referred to as Banares and Kashi, is the most famous pilgrimage
spot for Hindus for hundreds of years.
Known as the oldest city, Varanasi is visited by Hindus for the peace of mind and soul and to wash away all the
sins.
What is ghats ? & why Varanasi is famous for Ghats?
A flight of steps which is leading down to a river.
It is the Ghats of River Ganga in Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity.
Varanasi has nearly 84 Ghats, whose steps are leading to the banks of River Ganges.
Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi.
These Ghats are full of pilgrims who come to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges which is believed to wash
away all the sins.
It is at the Ghats of Ganga where we Life and Death can be seen together.
Different kinds of people with different reasons, different thoughts and purpose of their visit are seen at the Ghats.
If one thinks of spending a day at the Ghats, various kinds of activities can be witnessed.
But by the evening, everyone has just one purpose, the ‘Ganga Aarti’ (prayer).
Every evening a large aarti (prayer) called as ‘Ganga Aarti’ is performed at the main Ghat - Dasaswamedh Ghat.
There are number of temples on the banks of Ganga.
Among which ‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most famous one. Situated in Gadauliya,
near Dasaswamedh Ghat, it is also a tourist place where people come to rest in peace and feel the spirituality in
the air.
Some of the popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Assi Ghat, Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Tulsi and Panchganga Ghats
among others.

Source: http://www.dsource.in/resource/ghats-varanasi/introductio
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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Varanasi ghats (85 ghats)

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Varanasi ghats (8 Ghats)

ASSI GHAT ASSI GHAT RAJA HARISHCHANDRA GHAT

CHET SINGH GHAT RAJA HARISHCHANDRA GHAT

DASESHWAMEDH GHAT MAN MANDIR GHAT

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Day life

Night life
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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
ASSI GHAT

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
DASESHWAMEDH GHAT

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
MANIKARNIKA GHAT

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PANCH GANGA GHAT

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
 Rituals and Ceremonies of ghats

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Introduction : Prayers at Assi Ghat
In Varanasi, the day starts with Prayers and Chants at the Ghats.
There are number of temples on the banks of Ganga.
Most famous of which is ‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. Everyday hundreds of devotees and
saints from all over the India and different parts of the world come here.
During evening hours, people make their way towards Ghats for Evening prayer - ‘Ganga Aarti’ which takes place at
Dasaswamedh Ghat. As the sun sets, the devotees finish their individual prayers and reach back to Ghats, where
stage is being set up for the ‘Ganga Aarti’.

Source: http://www.dsource.in/resource/ghats-varanasi/introductio
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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat Manikarnika Ghat

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
 Physical Connection with the Ganges

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
The religious significance of the Ganges is physically manifested in ghats (stepped landings)
that form the land-water interface. Besides serving as a site for religious bathing and
cremation, the ghats are also tied to people’s livelihoods and are an inseparable part of their daily
lives.

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
 Cultural Identity

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L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
The ghats of Varanasi are not just a physical space; they are a reflection of the city's soul. They
embody the essence of Indian culture, spirituality, and tradition. The rituals and ceremonies
performed on these ghats have been passed down through generations, keeping the flame of
tradition alive.

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
 Expression of Art and Craftsmanship

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL
L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
 Understanding of heritage

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050
Varanasi's ghats are not merely static monuments but dynamic stages for a variety of cultural
expressions. Artistic endeavors, such as intricate Rangoli designs, adorn the steps, showcasing a
fusion of tradition and modernity.

L.J SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PRUTHA PATEL

L.J UNIVERSITY , AHMEDABAD RESEARCH THESIS 2019001100110050