Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), founded in 1916 by nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya with support from figures like Dr. Annie Besant, is a renowned center of learning located in the sacred city of Varanasi. Established under the BHU Act of 1915, the university played a significant role in India’s independence movement and has since become one of the country’s premier educational institutions. Spanning a sprawling 1300-acre main campus—with lush greenery, architecturally impressive buildings, a temple, and even an airstrip initially used for World War II military training—BHU also has a developing campus in Barkachha, Mirzapur district. The university comprises six institutes, 14 faculties, 144 departments, and numerous specialized centers, covering a vast range of disciplines from humanities and social sciences to medicine, technology, and fine arts. It affiliates several degree colleges in Varanasi and houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, famed for its rare collections. With a 927-bed hospital and extensive facilities for sports, cultural activities, and research, BHU serves a diverse community of around 15,000 students, 1,700 teachers, and 8,000 staff members, including many international students. BHU continues to foster innovation, cultural integration, and intellectual growth, making it a microcosm of the world within its vibrant campus.