CHET SINGH
GHAT
Introduction
Varanasi is famous for its ghats on the sacred Ganga River and its old-world beauty. Varanasi’s ghats are a landmark and a symbol of the city. These ghats have a magical quality to them as well as a lovely aesthetic. Varanasi, the world’s oldest living city, is perfectly in tune with current advances and historic cultural legacy. Chet Singh Ghat is one of Kashi’s many ghats, and it is historically significant. In 1781 AD, one of the deadliest fights in Indian history took place here, between British troops and Raja Chet Singh’s army. The area had been seized by British forces after Chet Singh’s defeat.
Prabhu Narayan Singh was the one who returned the ghat. Naturally, the fortified Chet Singh Ghat bears the traces and memories of India’s liberation struggle. Khirki Ghat is another name for Chet Singh Ghat. Chet Singh Ghat, Nirrvani Ghat, Niranjani Ghat, and Shivala Ghat are the four ghats that make up the original Chet Singh Ghat. Chet Singh, the courageous ruler, is commemorated with the ghat. Chet Singh was the illegitimate son of Balwant Singh, the first Maharaj of Banaras. He was born in Gwalior but rose to the position of ruler of Varanasi (Banaras/ Kashi). After his father, Raja Balwant Singh, died, he became the heir to the Banaras throne. He ascended to the throne by paying the Nawab of Awadh, but British Governor Warren Hastings did not accept him as the legal heir. Chet Singh also denied supplying his troops to the East India Company. As a result, a bloodbath broke out at Chet Singh Ghat. Chet Singh lost the battle and spent the next 30 years in obscurity, but Hastings was court-martialed for attacking the King of Varanasi.
History & Significance
This ghat is historically significant. In 1781, fierce combat took place here between Warren Hastings’ army and Chet Singh’s. Kashi Naresh Balwant Singh built the ghat and the fort on it. Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh’s ancestors (Chetsingh) were honored with the name Ghat. This Ghat was previously a part of Shivala Ghat. From a historical standpoint, this ghat is significant. In the year 1781, this fort was the site of a battle between Warren Hastings and Chetsingh, in which Chetsingh was beaten and the fort was taken by the British. Maharaj Prabhu Narayan Singh won the fort from British authorities in the nineteenth century and donated the northern half of the fort to Naga Sadhus. On this ghat, there is also two 18th century Shiva temples.
This ghat was historically significant from a cultural standpoint before the twentieth century. The famed weekly Budhva Mangal Mela was held on this Ghat starting on the first Tuesday of Chaitra month. Cultural Organizations have been organizing a meal on Dashashwamedh Ghat for the past few years due to unforeseen situations. This ghat was rebuilt by the state government in 1958.
How To Reach?
The Chet Singh Ghat is roughly 5 kilometers from the Varanasi train station. It stands just in front of the Chet Singh Fort. The tourists are advised to spend roughly 30 minutes exploring the ghat. All of the ghats are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ghats have no entrance fee.
Best Time To Visit
At any time of day, anyone can visit the ghat for whatever reason.
Things to do at chet singh ghat
The place is also known as the Khirki Ghat and is currently separated into four sections: Chet Singh Ghat, Niranjani Ghat, Shivala Ghat, and Nirvani Ghat. The ghat has three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva aging from the 18th century AD.
All three shrines are considered holy and devotees from all over the place come here to worship Lord Shiva. Till the first half of the 20th century, the famous Budhwa Mangal Festival was celebrated on this ghat for all seven days marking it to be a culturally important season.
The place is known for the peaceful ambiance it offers and one shouldn’t miss the chance to spend a wonderful evening on the steps of Chet Singh Ghat.