Varanasi or Benaras has a history that is supposed to be at least 3000 years old, making it one of the oldest cities not only in India but across the world also. It was a prime site for the settlement and subsequent development of Aryan civilization, religion and culture. Though chiefly a religious center, Varanasi was not devoid of commercial and industrial development during those periods. We find evidences of Varanasi having been actively involved in the production and trade of muslin & silk fabrics, ivory works, perfumes and sculpture during the Aryan period. We also find the references of Varanasi in several Hindu scriptures of Vedic period. During the sixth century BC, which was also the period of the Buddha, Varanasi was serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi.