The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) continues to hold its distinction as the largest residential university in Asia, a title underscored by its immense campus size and vast student population.
BHU’s main campus in Varanasi is a sprawling educational hub, covering approximately 1,300 acres (about 5.3 square kilometers). This area alone is larger than the campuses of many major universities worldwide.
- Total Area: While the main campus spans 1,300 acres, the university’s reach is further extended by the Rajiv Gandhi South Campus in Mirzapur district, which adds another immense 2,700 acres, bringing BHU’s total landholding to nearly 4,000 acres.
- Residential Strength: The “residential” element of the title is key, as the university is home to over 30,000 students residing on campus in its more than 65 hostels, creating a unique, integrated educational city.
- Legacy and Impact: Founded in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya and Annie Besant, BHU is recognized for its broad academic scope, encompassing over 140 departments across science, humanities, arts, and technology. It remains one of India’s most prestigious Central Universities and an Institution of Eminence declared by the Government of India.
The massive scale of BHU not only provides extensive space for academic and research infrastructure but also allows for wide-ranging student facilities, maintaining its unique status as a monumental center of learning in Asia.
