Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University today has nearly twenty thousand students including 2500 research scholars and 650 foreign students from 34 nations, under one roof who are pursuing different academic programs at this campus as well as the newly established Rajiv Gandhi South Campus. To promote the study of the Hindu Shastras and of Sanskrit literature generally as a means of preserving and popularizing for the benefit of the Hindus in particular and of the world at large in general, the best thought and culture of the Hindus and all that was good and great in the ancient civilization of India; To promote learning and research generally in Arts and Sciences in all branches; To advance and diffuse such scientific, technical and professional knowledge, combined with the necessary practical training as is best calculated to help in promoting indigenous industries and in developing the material resources of the country; and To promote the building up of character in youth by religion and ethics as an integral part of education.

History
It was the idea of Madan Mohan Malviya - a renowned lawyer and a nationalist activitst, to establish Banaras Hindu University. BHU is the first university in India which was established because of the private individual’s efforts. However, the effort to build the university began much before its foundation. In December 1908, at the 21st conference of Indian National Congress in Benares, Madan Mohan made his intention public of building a university. For the next few years, he continued to his focus towards his aim of building the university. Subsequently, in 1907, he applied for a royal charter for the university. However, the British Government did not respond to his application. In the year 1911, Hindu University Society was instituted by him to collect funds for the construction of the university. The year 1915 was a great success for Madan Mohan Malviya as the bill to build Banaras Hindu University was cleared by the Imperial Legislative Council. And finally comes the year 1916 when BHU was established.

Architecture
Located in the southern side of the city, BHU is built on land donated by the last Brahmin king of Kashi - Prabhu Vibhuti Narayan Singh. The layout of the entire campus is a semicircle with extensive greenery and well-paved roads. The architecture of the buildings built inside of Banaras Hindu University boast impressive Indo-Gothic design. Besides, there are more than 60 hostels that provide accommodation to over 12000 students. Apart from this, the complex also includes a library, hospital and also a museum.