Still it was not large enough for the business; therefore he presently built the globe around it.

Benares is thus the center of the earth.

This is considered an advantage.
It has had a tumultuous history, both materially and spiritually.

It started Brahminically, many ages ago; then by and by Buddha came in recent times 2,500 years ago, and after that it was Buddhist during many centuries--twelve, perhaps--but the Brahmins got the upper hand again, then, and have held it ever since.

It is unspeakably sacred in Hindoo eyes, and is as unsanitary as it is sacred, and smells like the rind of the dorian.