Ramnagar Fort: Exploring the Royal Heritage of Kashi Naresh Across the Ganga

Across the Ganga from Varanasi's famous ghats stands Ramnagar Fort, a sandstone landmark that has watched over the river for nearly three centuries. Built around 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh, the fort became the ceremonial home of the Kashi Naresh — the royal family long regarded by Banarasis as the earthly representative of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Rendered in warm chunar sandstone, the fort blends Mughal-era craftsmanship with a distinctly Banarasi sensibility. Carved balconies, open courtyards, and riverfacing pavilions catch the light of every Kashi sunrise. Within its walls, the Saraswati Bhawan museum preserves a fascinating collection: vintage cars, royal palanquins, ivory work, antique weapons, medieval costumes, and an astronomical clock that still marks the year, month, week, and planetary positions. For many visitors, the fort is inseparable from the Ramnagar Ramlila, the month-long open-air enactment of the Ramayana staged across Ramnagar each autumn. Recognised as one of the oldest and most immersive Ramlila traditions in India, it draws pilgrims and culture-lovers who follow the performance from site to site under the patronage of the royal family. A short ferry ride or a drive across the bridge brings travellers to a quieter, more contemplative side of Varanasi — one where royal history, spirituality, and everyday riverside life meet. For anyone exploring Kashi beyond its ghats, Ramnagar Fort offers a memorable window into the region's living heritage.

Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources: Iqrayoutube