Benares () was a princely state in what is today India during the British Raj. On 15 October 1948 Benares' last ruler signed the accession to the Indian Union. Its roots go back to the Kingdom of Kashi, which was an independent Brahmin - ( Bhumihar Brahmin) state until 1194. It became a British territory in 1775, and a state in 1911. It is the site of Ramnagar Fort and its museum, which are the repository of the history of the kings of Varanasi and, since the 18th century, has been the home of the Kashi Naresh. Even today the Kashi Naresh is deeply revered by the people of Varanasi. He is a religious leader and the people of Varanasi consider him an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all religious celebrations. The ruling family claims descent from the God Shiva and benefits greatly from pilgrimages to Benares.
