MOST PEOPLE ASSOCIATE Varanasi (Benares) with Hindu temples and practices. However, the city is important to other religions, notably Islam.

Recently, we viewed an exhibition called “Mughal Banaras” at SOAS Gallery in London. It was a collection of excellent photographs taken by architect and photographer Jateen Lad who collaborated with historian Malavika Kasturi.

In a Hindu math (monastery) which existed during the time when the city was under Mughal rule, there is a collection of Mughal firmans (official documents) on display, including one written by Dara Shikoh, who was murdered by his brother Aurangzeb).

We were fortunate to have met Jateen at the exhibition, and he showed us around. His superb commentary brought the pictures to life, and discussed the historical importance of, and the current circumstances of the Muslims in the city.