Banaras Hindu University, situated in
Varanasi, was founded by the great nationalist leader,
Madan Mohan Malaviya, in 1916 with cooperation of
Annie Besant. This Central University has played a key role in the independence movement and has developed into the greatest center of learning in India.
Engaged in promoting the study of the Hindu Shastras and of Sanskrit literature, the university comprises three institutes, 14 faculties, 124 departments, four inter disciplinary centers, a constituent college for women and three constituent schools. It also has six centers of advanced studies, 10 departments under special assistance program and numerous specialized research centers. Four degree colleges of the city are affiliated to the university. Bharat Kala Bhavan, the museum of the university, has rare collections.
