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Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is renowned for its sprawling campus, rich history, and academic excellence. The university is a central university and is recognized as an Institute of Eminence by the Government of India. BHU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, engineering, medicine, and law.

The foundation of Banaras Hindu University was laid on February 4, 1916, by Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. The idea of establishing a university in Varanasi was conceived by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a prominent educationist, and freedom fighter. Malaviya envisioned BHU as a center of learning that would combine the best of Indian and Western educational traditions. The university was established with the aim of promoting the study of Hindu scriptures, philosophy, and culture, along with modern sciences and technology.

The land for the university was donated by the Kashi Naresh, the ruler of the princely state of Kashi. The construction of the university was funded by donations from various Indian princes, zamindars, and common people. The university was inaugurated by Lord Hardinge on February 4, 1916, and Pandit Malaviya became its first Vice-Chancellor.

Over the years, BHU has grown into a premier institution of higher learning in India. The university has produced numerous distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureates, scientists, politicians, and artists. BHU has also played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and has been a center of nationalist activities.

Campus and Infrastructure

BHU’s main campus is spread over 1,300 acres in Varanasi, making it one of the largest residential universities in Asia. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, lush greenery, and serene environment. The university has several faculties, departments, and research centers, each housed in separate buildings. Some of the notable buildings on the campus include:

  • The Vishwanath Temple: A replica of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located within the campus.
  • The Bharat Kala Bhavan: A museum that houses a rich collection of Indian art, sculptures, and artifacts.
  • The Central Library: One of the largest libraries in Asia, with a vast collection of books, journals, and manuscripts.
  • The Malaviya Bhavan: The administrative building of the university, named after its founder, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
  • The Swatantrata Bhavan: A building dedicated to the Indian independence movement, with a museum showcasing the history of the freedom struggle.

The campus also has several hostels, sports facilities, and recreational centers for students. The university has a well-developed infrastructure, with modern classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities.

Academic Programs

BHU offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The university has over 140 departments organized into 16 faculties and 3 institutes. Some of the prominent faculties and institutes include:

  1. Faculty of Arts: Offers programs in languages, literature, history, philosophy, and fine arts.
  2. Faculty of Science: Offers programs in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and environmental science.
  3. Faculty of Commerce: Offers programs in commerce, business administration, and financial management.
  4. Faculty of Social Sciences: Offers programs in economics, political science, sociology, and psychology.
  5. Faculty of Law: Offers programs in law and legal studies.
  6. Faculty of Engineering: Offers programs in various branches of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer science.
  7. Faculty of Medicine: Offers programs in medicine, dentistry, and nursing.
  8. Faculty of Ayurveda: Offers programs in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery.
  9. Faculty of Agriculture: Offers programs in agricultural sciences, horticulture, and veterinary science.
  10. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development: Offers programs in environmental science and sustainable development.
  11. Institute of Management Studies: Offers programs in business administration and management.
  12. Institute of Science: Offers programs in advanced sciences and research.

Courses

BHU offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. Some of the popular courses offered by the university include:

  1. Undergraduate Courses:
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
    • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
    • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
    • Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
    • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
    • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
    • Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
    • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
    • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
    • Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
  2. Postgraduate Courses:
    • Master of Arts (MA)
    • Master of Science (MSc)
    • Master of Commerce (MCom)
    • Master of Engineering (ME)
    • Master of Technology (MTech)
    • Master of Medicine (MD)
    • Master of Surgery (MS)
    • Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
    • Master of Laws (LLM)
    • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
  3. Doctoral Programs:
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various disciplines.

Fees Structure

The fee structure at BHU varies depending on the course and the level of study. The university offers affordable education, with fees being significantly lower compared to private institutions. Below is an approximate fee structure for some of the popular courses:

  1. Undergraduate Courses:
    • BA/BSc/BCom: INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 per year
    • BE/BTech: INR 20,000 – INR 30,000 per year
    • MBBS: INR 50,000 – INR 1,00,000 per year
    • BAMS: INR 20,000 – INR 50,000 per year
    • LLB: INR 10,000 – INR 20,000 per year
  2. Postgraduate Courses:
    • MA/MSc/MCom: INR 10,000 – INR 20,000 per year
    • ME/MTech: INR 30,000 – INR 50,000 per year
    • MD/MS: INR 1,00,000 – INR 2,00,000 per year
    • MBA: INR 50,000 – INR 1,00,000 per year
  3. Doctoral Programs:
    • PhD: INR 20,000 – INR 50,000 per year

Please note that the above fees are approximate and subject to change. Additionally, there may be additional charges for hostel accommodation, library fees, and other facilities.

Rankings and Accreditations

Banaras Hindu University is consistently ranked among the top universities in India and Asia. The university has received several accolades and accreditations for its academic excellence and research contributions. Some of the notable rankings and accreditations include:

  1. National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF):
    • BHU has been ranked among the top 10 universities in India by the NIRF, which is released annually by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
    • In the 2021 NIRF rankings, BHU was ranked 6th among universities in India.
  2. QS World University Rankings:
    • BHU has been ranked among the top 1000 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
    • In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, BHU was ranked in the 801-1000 range.
  3. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings:
    • BHU has been ranked among the top 1000 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
    • In the 2022 THE World University Rankings, BHU was ranked in the 801-1000 range.
  4. Accreditation:
    • BHU is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an ‘A’ grade.
    • The university is also recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Annual Functions and Events

BHU is known for its vibrant campus life and hosts several annual functions and events that attract students, faculty, and visitors from across the country. Some of the notable annual functions and events include:

  1. Founder’s Day:
    • Founder’s Day is celebrated on February 4th every year to commemorate the founding of the university by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
    • The day is marked by various cultural programs, lectures, and seminars, and is attended by distinguished guests, alumni, and students.
  2. Kashi Yatra:
    • Kashi Yatra is an annual cultural festival organized by the university, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi and India.
    • The festival features traditional music, dance, drama, and art performances, as well as exhibitions and workshops.
  3. Technex:
    • Technex is the annual technical festival of BHU, organized by the students of the Faculty of Engineering.
    • The festival includes technical competitions, workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, attracting participants from across the country.
  4. Spandan:
    • Spandan is the annual cultural festival of BHU, organized by the students of the Faculty of Arts.
    • The festival features a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, drama, and literary competitions.
  5. Sports Week:
    • Sports Week is an annual sports event organized by the university, featuring various sports competitions, including cricket, football, basketball, and athletics.
    • The event is attended by students, faculty, and sports enthusiasts from across the campus.
  6. Alumni Meet:
    • BHU organizes an annual alumni meet, where former students of the university come together to reconnect with their alma mater and share their experiences.
    • The event includes cultural programs, networking sessions, and discussions on the university’s future.

Research and Innovation

BHU is a leading center for research and innovation in India. The university has several research centers and laboratories that conduct cutting-edge research in various fields. Some of the notable research areas at BHU include:

  1. Science and Technology:
    • BHU has a strong focus on research in science and technology, with several departments and research centers dedicated to physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
    • The university has made significant contributions to fields such as nanotechnology, materials science, and environmental science.
  2. Medicine and Health Sciences:
    • BHU’s Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Medical Sciences are renowned for their research in medical and health sciences.
    • The university has conducted groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer biology, infectious diseases, and public health.
  3. Social Sciences and Humanities:
    • BHU has a rich tradition of research in social sciences and humanities, with a focus on Indian culture, history, and philosophy.
    • The university has contributed to the study of Indian languages, literature, and art, as well as social and political issues.
  4. Agriculture and Environmental Sciences:
    • BHU’s Faculty of Agriculture and Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development are involved in research related to agriculture, horticulture, and environmental conservation.
    • The university has conducted research on sustainable farming practices, crop improvement, and climate change.
  5. Interdisciplinary Research:
    • BHU promotes interdisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration between different faculties and departments.
    • The university has established several interdisciplinary research centers, such as the Center for Environmental Science and Technology and the Center for Nanotechnology.

Notable Alumni

BHU has a long list of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. Some of the notable alumni include:

  1. Dr. Har Gobind Khorana: Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1968) for his work on the interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.
  2. Dr. Amartya Sen: Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences (1998) for his contributions to welfare economics and social choice theory.
  3. Dr. C.V. Raman: Nobel laureate in Physics (1930) for his discovery of the Raman effect.
  4. Dr. Rajendra Prasad: The first President of India and a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement.
  5. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan: The second President of India and a renowned philosopher and statesman.
  6. Dr. Lalji Singh: A renowned geneticist and former Director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
  7. Dr. Anil Kakodkar: A distinguished nuclear scientist and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.
  8. Dr. Girish Chandra Saxena: A former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and a distinguished civil servant.
  9. Dr. N.R. Madhava Menon: A renowned legal scholar and founder of the National Law School of India University.
  10. Dr. K. N. Govindacharya: A prominent political leader and social activist.

Student Life and Activities

BHU offers a vibrant and enriching student life, with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural events. The university has several student clubs and societies that cater to a wide range of interests, including:

  1. Cultural Clubs:
    • BHU has several cultural clubs that promote music, dance, drama, and art. These clubs organize regular performances, workshops, and competitions.
  2. Sports Clubs:
    • The university has a strong tradition of sports, with several sports clubs and facilities for cricket, football, basketball, tennis, and athletics.
    • BHU students regularly participate in inter-university and national-level sports competitions.
  3. Literary and Debating Societies:
    • BHU has active literary and debating societies that organize debates, poetry readings, and literary discussions.
    • These societies provide a platform for students to hone their communication and critical thinking skills.
  4. Social Service Organizations:
    • BHU has several student-run social service organizations that work on various social issues, including education, health, and environmental conservation.
    • These organizations organize community service projects, awareness campaigns, and fundraising events.
  5. Technical and Innovation Clubs:
    • BHU has several technical and innovation clubs that promote scientific and technological innovation among students.
    • These clubs organize hackathons, coding competitions, and technical workshops.

 

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