The Massacre of Benaras, also known as the Benaras Mutiny, refers to a civil rebellion that took place in Awadh, present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

Background:
- The rebellion was a result of the annexation of Awadh by the British East India Company in 1856.
- Awadh was a princely state that had been ruled by the Nawabs of Awadh for centuries. The annexation was seen as a betrayal by the people of Awadh, who had supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- The annexation also led to the displacement of thousands of people, who lost their lands and livelihoods.

Events:
- The rebellion began in June 1857, when sepoys (Indian soldiers) of the British Indian Army stationed in Awadh mutinied.
- The rebels were joined by civilians, including peasants, artisans, and zamindars (landlords).
- The rebels captured several towns and cities in Awadh, including Lucknow, the capital of Awadh.
- In July 1857, the rebels marched towards Benaras (now Varanasi), a holy city on the banks of the river Ganges.
- The British forces, led by General James Neill, retaliated by attacking and massacring the rebels and civilians in Benaras.
- Neill's troops killed thousands of people, including women and children, and destroyed many buildings and temples in the city.
- The massacre was condemned by many British officials, including Governor-General Lord Canning, who called it a "great crime".

Impact:
- The Massacre of Benaras was one of the bloodiest incidents of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- It led to a wave of outrage and anger among the Indian population, who saw it as a symbol of British brutality and oppression.
- The rebellion spread to other parts of India, and the British were forced to deploy more troops to suppress it.
- The rebellion ultimately failed, but it marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence from British rule.