 In 1911, Benares became a full-fledged princely state of British India, and the Narayan dynasty ruled it as British vassals until they acceded to independent India in 1948.Even today the Kashi Naresh, the titular ruler of the dynasty, is deeply revered by the people of Benares.He is the religious head and the people of Benares consider him the incarnation of Lord Shiva.