Mathura

Lore & Background

Mathura is traditionally believed to have been founded by Shatrughna after killing Yadava Lavana at the site of Madhuvana, according to the Ramayana. It is also believed to be the homeland and birthplace of Krishna, who belonged to the Yadu dynasty. The most important pilgrimage site is the Krishna Janmasthan, where excavations have revealed pottery and terracotta dating to the sixth century BCE, as well as remains of a large Buddhist complex and Jain sculptures. By the sixth century BCE, it became the capital of the Surasena Kingdom. The city was later ruled by the Maurya empire, and Megasthenes mentioned it as a great city under the name Méthora. Mathura was later conquered by the Indo-Scythians and then by the Kushan Empire, who made it one of their capitals. Mathuran art and culture reached its zenith during the Kushan era, particularly under emperors Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasudeva.

Reader's Guide

Mathura's significance lies in its dual role as a major religious center and a historically important trade city. As the birthplace of Krishna, it is a key pilgrimage site for Hindus, part of the Krishna circuit that includes Vrindavan, Barsana, Govardhan, Kurukshetra, Dwarka, and Bhalka. The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex marks the believed birthplace, and the annual festival of Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated there. Historically, Mathura was an economic hub at the junction of caravan routes, and its archaeological record spans from the Painted Grey Ware culture through the Mauryan, Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian, Kushan, and Gupta periods. The city was a center of Buddhist and Jain activity, as well as Hindu worship. The Mathura school of art flourished during the Kushan era, producing notable sculptures. In modern times, Mathura has been chosen as a heritage city under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of the Government of India.

Did You Know?

• Mathura is located about 15 km from the town of Vrindavan.
• The Mora Well inscription from the early first century CE mentions images of the five Vrishni heroes installed in a stone shrine.