Benares State

Quick Facts: Who was Benares State?

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Benares State

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A former princely state and hereditary jagir near Benares city.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Benares State, earlier Benares Estate, was an estate, or hereditary jagir, comprising the family domains of the Maharaja of Benares successively under the Nawabs of Oudh, East India Company rule, and the British Raj. From 1911 to 1948, it was recognized as a princely state. The estate was founded by the zamindar, Balwant Singh, who assumed the title of "Raja of Benares" in the mid 18th century, taking advantage of the Mughal Empire's disintegration.

Career & Major Achievements

His descendants had zamindari privileges in an area around Benares city, but not in the city, which the East India Company had annexed under the Treaty of Faizabad in the later 1760s. Benares became a princely state of British Raj in 1911. On 15 October 1949, the State of Benares was merged with Uttar Pradesh.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The earliest rulers of the later princely state of Benares were originally Zamindars for the Awadh province of the Mughal Empire who later became an independent state. Most of the area currently known as Varanasi was acquired by Mansa Ram, a zamindar of Utaria.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1911: 1911 Milestone — From 1911 to 1948, it was recognized as a princely state.
2. 1949: 1949 Milestone — On 15 October 1949, the State of Benares was merged with Uttar Pradesh.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Benares State

True or False: “True or false: The Benares State was fully integrated into Uttar Pradesh immediately after the end of the British Raj in 1947.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. While the state's status changed drastically, the official merger with Uttar Pradesh occurred later, on August 15, 1949, not immediately in 1947.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. N. Sherwin-White — Historical peer (Born in 1911) (1911): British academic and ancient historian, specializing in Roman law and society.
• Ahmed Urabi — Historical peer (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Alan García — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions about Benares State