Life In A Ghettoized Place; Study Of Contemporary Benaras

Introduction
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and holds great
religious and cultural significance in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River,
Varanasi is a city steeped in spirituality and tradition. The city is famous for its ghats, which are
embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform rituals,
and its narrow winding streets dotted with ancient temples. Varanasi holds a distinctive place in
the cultural and religious scene of India. As one of the most ancient continuously inhabited cities
globally, it draws pilgrims, devotees, merchants, craftsmen and visitors from around the globe.
The population of Varanasi has steadily grown over time with an increasing influx of tourists and
pilgrims to the city daily. Additionally, migration from nearby towns and villages in Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar has contributed significantly to this remarkable population growth.
Consequently, there is now heightened demand for affordable housing for low- and middle-
income groups in Varanasi. It is essential to plan strategically for this demographic segment to
prevent informal settlements or slums from emerging.
The study on religion and housing in Banaras reveals a complex relationship between residential
patterns and religious segregation (Li & Liu, 2018). Though there are pockets of mixed
neighborhoods, overall there is a tendency for religiously homogeneous communities to form
distinct residential areas in Banaras. This segregation is evident in both the architectural features
of the homes and the population demographics of these areas.
For centuries, Banaras has been a diverse city accommodating people from different religious
traditions, despite being considered the spiritual center of Hinduism. As time passed, the city
adapted to an increasing number of tourists and new residents. The study aims to investigate
whether ghettoization has occurred in this urban area while examining how evolving urban
dynamics, particularly during periods of growing right-wing fundamentalism and propaganda,
impact social interactions and community life among its inhabitants.

Literature Review:
Investigate existing studies on city planning, urban sociology, and cultural dynamics,
emphasizing works that focus on historical cities with religious significance. Explore the unique
challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of Banaras.
In our case, the literature review will consist of readings covering not just Banaras' urban
planning but also how the country's changing religious and political scenarios have affected the
city's work.
So far we have found out that:
Scholars such as Ronald B. Inden (2000) and Diana L. Eck (1982) have explored the historical
roots of Banaras and its evolution over the centuries. They emphasize how the city's planning has
been shaped by a deep connection to religious practices and cultural traditions. Understanding
these historical foundations is crucial for unravelling the intricacies of contemporary urban
dynamics.
Banaras is renowned for its numerous temples, ghats, and cultural institutions. Studies by David
L. Smith (1998) highlight the influence of these religious and cultural spaces on the city's social
fabric.
The spatial organization of Banaras has been a subject of interest for urban planners and
sociologists alike. Research by Amita Sinha (2005) and Rajnish Kumar (2019) delves into the
spatial distribution of residential areas, public spaces, and the intricate network of narrow alleys.
These studies emphasize the impact of spatial design on community interactions and social
cohesion.
Urbanization and modernization pose challenges to the traditional fabric of Banaras. Works by
Rana P.B. Singh (2015) shed light on the tensions between preserving cultural heritage and
accommodating the demands of a growing urban population.
Scholars like Nandini Sundar (1997) focus on the social dynamics of inclusivity and equity
within Banaras. Examining how different communities coexist and interact within the urban
landscape, these studies contribute to the understanding of the social dimensions that should be
considered in future city planning initiatives.

Objectives
 Evaluate the impact of Banaras's historical and cultural significance on contemporary city
planning, with a focus on housing, heritage preservation, and tourism development.
 Investigate the current status of ghettoization in Varanasi and assess whether there has
been a recent increase, exploring potential influences such as the Smart City project and
other urban dynamics.
 Propose recommendations for sustainable and inclusive urban development in Varanasi,
addressing issues related to housing, heritage preservation, tourism, and social cohesion,
with the aim of mitigating potential challenges arising from population growth and urban
transformations.

Research Questions:
1. How does Banaras's historical and cultural significance impact contemporary city
planning in terms of housing, heritage, and tourism?
2. Is ghettoization a current issue in Varanasi and has it increased recently, possibly
influenced by initiatives like the Smart City project?

Methodology:
The research will employ a multi-faceted approach to explore the complex dynamics of
Varanasi's urban development. Historical analysis will delve into archival records to understand
the city's evolution, particularly focusing on cultural significance, heritage, and past urban
planning. Utilizing existing survey and census data, quantitative methods will be applied to
analyze population trends, migration patterns, and socio-economic characteristics over time.
Field surveys and interviews will provide qualitative insights from residents, local authorities,
and community leaders, shedding light on housing conditions, community life, and the impact of
urban developments. Case studies will investigate specific neighborhoods, while policy and
document analysis will scrutinize urban development initiatives like the Smart City project.

Bibliography

Nath Akhilendra. 2016. “Prospects and Constraints in Development of Varanasi as Smart City India,”
International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, Vol. 1 Issuse 3.

Eck, Diana L. 1999. Banaras, City of Light, Columbia University Press.

Inden, Ronald B. 2000. Imagining India, C. Hurst & Co. Publishers.

Smith, David L.1998. A History of the Modern British Isles, 1603–1707: The Double Crown, Blackwell.

Sinha, Amita, and Yuthika Sharma. "Urban design as a frame for site readings of heritage landscapes: A
case study of Champaner-Pavagadh, Gujarat, India." Journal of Urban Design 14, no. 2 (2009): 203-221.

Kumar, Rajneesh, Vinod Kumar, Ankit Sharma, Navdeep Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Jatinder Kaur Katnoria,
Renu Bhardwaj, Ashwani Kumar Thukral, and Jesús Rodrigo-Comino. "Assessment of pollution in
roadside soils by using multivariate statistical techniques and contamination indices." SN Applied
Sciences 1 (2019): 1-11.

Singh, Rana PB. "Banaras, the cultural capital of India: visioning cultural heritage and planning."
SANDHI, A Journal of Interfacing Science-Heritage and Technology-Tradition of India 1, no. 1 (2015):
100-122.

Singh, Rana PB, and Pravin S. Rana. "Visioning cultural heritage and planning." Routledge Companion
to Global Heritage Conservation (2019).

Singh, Rana PB. "Varanasi, India’s cultural heritage city: contestation, conservation & planning."
Heritagescapes and cultural landscapes (2011): 205-254.

Singh, Rana PB, and Pravin S. Rana. "Cultural diplomacy in India: dispersal, heritage representation,
contestation, and development." Transcultural Diplomacy and International Law in Heritage
Conservation: A Dialogue between Ethics, Law, and Culture (2021): 231-256.

Sundar, Nandini. 1997. Subalterns and sovereigns: an anthropological history of Bastar, 1854-1996,
Oxford University Press.