 Varanasi experienced a Hindu cultural revival in the 16th century under the Muslim Mughal emperor <unk> , who invested in the city and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu . The Raja of Pune established the Annapurna Mandir , and the 200 @-@ metre ( 660 ft ) <unk> Bridge was also completed during this period . The earliest tourists began arriving in the city during the 16th century . In 1665 , the French traveller Jean Baptiste <unk> described the architectural beauty of the <unk> <unk> temple on the side of the Ganges . The road infrastructure was also improved during this period . It was extended from Kolkata to <unk> by Emperor Sher Shah <unk> ; later during the British Raj it came to be known as the famous Grand Trunk Road . In 1656 , Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of many temples and the building of mosques , causing the city to experience a temporary setback . However , after <unk> 's death , most of India was ruled by a confederacy of pro @-@ Hindu kings . Much of modern Varanasi was built during this time , especially during the 18th century by the Maratha and <unk> kings . The kings governing Varanasi continued to wield power and importance through much of the British Raj period , including the <unk> of Benares , or Kashi Naresh . 
