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THE

SACRED CITY OF THE HINDUS:

AN ACCOUNT OF BENARES

IN

ANCIENT AND MODERN TIMES.

BY THE

REV. M. A. SHERRING,

M.A., LL.B., LOND.,

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MISSIONARY OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY; AUTHOR OF THE THE INDIAN
CHURCH DURING THE REBELLION," "INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF THE

INDIAN MUTINY," ETC.

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TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW.

1868.

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]

486 .B4 S55

HERTFORD:

PRINTED BY STEPHEN AUSTIN.

PREFACE.

THE history of a country is sometimes epitomized in the history of one of its principal cities. The city of Benares represents India, religiously and intellectually, just as Paris represents the political sentiments of France. There are few cities in the world of greater antiquity, and none that have so uninterruptedly maintained their ancient celebrity and distinction. In Benares, Buddhism was first promulgated; in Benares, Hinduism has had her home in the bosom of her most impassioned votaries. This city, therefore, has given impulse and vigour to the two religions which to this day govern half the world.

An account of a city of such remarkable associations, which has occupied such a prominent place in the annals of the human race, is not without its importance, and ought not to be devoid of interest. Having resided in it for several years, I have enjoyed peculiarly favourable opportunities for becoming acquainted with its inner life

486 .B4 555

PRINTED

HERTFORD:

BY

STEPHEN AUSTIN.

PREFACE.

THE history of a country is sometimes epitomized in

the history of one of its principal cities. The city of Benares represents India, religiously and intellectually, just as Paris represents the political sentiments of France. There are few cities in the world of greater antiquity, and none that have so uninterruptedly maintained their ancient celebrity and distinction. In Benares, Buddhism was first promulgated; in Benares, Hinduism has had her home in the bosom of her most impassioned votaries. This city, therefore, has given impulse and vigour to the two religions which to this day govern half the world.

An account of a city of such remarkable associations, which has occupied such a prominent place in the annals of the human race, is not without its importance, and ought not to be devoid of interest. Having resided in it for several years, I have enjoyed peculiarly favourable opportunities for becoming acquainted with its inner life

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