2-981-824 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ghaut at Benares, 1876. 'The sacred city of Benares, considered by the Hindoos as the head-quarters of their religion and science, is situated on the left bank of the Ganges...It is a great mart for the shawl trade, the Dacca muslin trade, and that of Central India...The temples and shrines are very curious...The ghauts, quays, or landing-places are perhaps the most conspicuous feature of Benares at first sight. They present broad and solid stone steps to the river, alternating with numerous temples and pagodas along the entire city front. The Hindoos were formerly allowed to immolate themselves by fire and water on these ghauts in the way of voluntary human sacrifices to the deities of their fierce religion. There are some places called the "Burning Ghauts," at which the bodies of the Hindoo dead are burnt, and the bones and ashes thrown into the Ganges'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.