Banaras Hindu University was founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya
Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916 by Indian educationist and political leader Madan Mohan Malaviya, with the help of Congress leader Annie Besant. Pandit Malaviya had announced his intent to establish a university in Varanasi as early as 1905. Given the title of 'Mahamana', meaning great soul by Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Malaviya was born on December 25, 1861.