a district of Hindostan Proper in the East Indies, which lies between Bahar and Oude; and comprehends the circars of Benares, Jionpour, Chunar, and Gazypour. It was ceded to the English in 1775; but only came entirely into their hands in 1781, when the rajah was expelled.

populous city in the East Indies, and capital of the district of the same name. It is situated on the north side of the Ganges, which is here very broad and the banks are very high. Benares has been much celebrated as the ancient seat of Brahminical learning. Several Hindoo temples embellish the banks of the river; and many other of the public and private buildings are extremely magnificent. The streets, however, are narrow, and the houses high, some of them even five stories, which are inhabited by different families. The more opulent inhabitants live in detached houses, which have an open court, and are surrounded by a wall. In the centre of the city there is a large Mahometan mosque, which was built by the emperor Aurangzebe, who destroyed a magnificent Hindoo temple which had been erected on the same spot. Many of the Hindoo temples were demolished by the Mahomethans, the ruins of which are still visible in different places round the city. The same manners and customs still prevail among these people, as at the remotest period which history has traced. No innovations either in civil or religious matters have been admitted. An insurrection was excited here in 1781, and by the formidable appearance which it assumed, threatened to prove fatal to the English interest in Hindostan. It was at length suppressed, and the rajah Cheyt Sing was deposed in 1783. Benares has been also long celebrated for its observatory. See OBSERVATORY. It is estimated to contain 600,000 souls, and is 425 miles southeast of Delhi, and 400 miles north-west of Calcutta. E. Long. 82° 10'. N. Lat. 25° 20'.