Sherring, Matthew A.: The sacred city of the Hindus: an account of Benares in ancient and modern times (London, 1868)

CONTENTS.

Preface..............-,,... v

Introduction—By Fitzedwabd Hail, Esq., D.C.L.....xvii

CHAPTEE I.

Eaxly history of Benares.—Sanctity of the city.—Mythic cha-
racter of Indian history.—Ancient Buddhist records respecting
Benares.—S'akya Muni, or Buddha, preached the doctrine of
Buddhism first in Benares.— Antiquity of Benares.—Hiouen
Thsang's account of his visit to the city in the seventh century
of the Christian era.—Macaulay's description of Benares.—Con-
nexion of Benares with the religious history of half the human
race.'—-Its connexion with Buddhism.—Life and labours of
Buddha.—Benares subsequent to the fall of Buddhism in India.
—The Brahman.—Sons of the Ganges.—Devotees and pilgrims.
—Benares, the religious centre of India........ 1

CHAPTEE II.

No Architectural remains dating prior to the third century
before Christ yet found in India.—Ancient Hindu Edifices of
the primitive period, not of a rude character.-—Did the Hindus
borrow from the Assyrian and Persian Sculptors?—Ancient
remains found chiefly in the northern quarter of the city.—
Mohammedan lust for Hindu edifices.—Shifting tendency of the
modern city.—Origin of the appellation " Benares." .... 19

CHAPTEE HI.

Puranic form of Modem Hinduism.—Increase of Temples in
Northern India.—Number of Temples in Benares.—Temple of
Bisheswar, the idol-king of Benares.—Ancient Temple of