IW

University · Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a central university founded in 1916 by Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, and one of Asia's largest residential universities. Conceived as a home for both ancient Indian knowledge and modern science, its townscape campus on the southern edge of Varanasi comprises 5 institutes, 16 faculties and over 135 departments — from Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnan and Performing Arts to medicine and technology — with constituent colleges including Mahila Maha Vidyalaya and city colleges admitted to its privileges.

Established1916
TypeGovernment / central
LocationVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Websitehttps://www.bhu.ac.in

Established under the B.H.U. Act 1915 through Malaviya's campaign — supported by Dr. Annie Besant, whose Central Hindu College became its nucleus, and by princely donors — BHU opened in 1916 as a self-contained educational township on the Ganga. Over a century it has been the pivotal modern institution of Indology, Sanskrit and dharmic studies while producing scientists, artists and statesmen; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan served as its Vice-Chancellor before becoming President of India.

Courses & degrees

• B.A. (Hons.)

• B.Sc. (Hons.)

• B.Com. (Hons.)

• Shastri (SVDV)

• Acharya (SVDV)

• B.Ed.

• LL.B.

• UG/PG in Performing Arts (vocal, instrumental, dance, musicology)

• M.A.

• M.Sc.

• M.Com.

• Ph.D. / D.Litt.

• Diplomas & certificates (classical music, manuscriptology, Vedic studies)

Notable people

• Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya (founder)

• Dr. Annie Besant (co-founder lineage, Central Hindu College)

• Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (former Vice-Chancellor, later President of India)

• Bhupen Hazarika

• Ahmed Hassan Dani

Faculties, colleges & departments

Facts last verified 2026-08-15. Spot an error? Tell us.