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MATHURA OF MAHABHARATA

ANCIENT KINGDOM OF SURASENA  MAHAJANAPADA

SARASIJ MAJUMDER

Hardly one will find any ‘Hindu’, living or dead–who has not visited ‘MATHURA’, the ancient city by the river JAMUNA. Mathura attracts a large number of pilgrims throughout the year.

This city has occupied a special place in the mind of INDIANS, either for religious, or historical, or for many other reasons.

Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Mahajanapada during the 6th to 4th century BCE. This kingdom was one of the 16 Mahajanapada that existed in ancient India. Later, Mathura also served as a second capital for the Kushan empire, particularly under Kanishka‘s rule. 

 

RELIGIOUS ASPECTS:

Mathura’s religious significance stems from its status as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, most important character of Epic Mahabharata, who attained the status of one of the most revered deities in Sanatan Dharma. Lord Krishna is considered as eighth AVTAR of GOD VISHNU. It’s also a major pilgrimage site and one of the seven holy cities in India, deeply intertwined with the Krishna legend and as a part of the broader Braj Bhoomi region. The city is filled with temples dedicated to Krishna, showcasing his various forms and stories, and attracting devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment. 

Here’s a more detailed look at Mathura’s religious importance:

Birthplace of Lord Krishna: Mathura is considered the exact location where Lord Krishna was born, specifically within the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple complex. 

Part of Braj Bhoomi: Mathura is a central part of Braj Bhoomi, the region associated with Krishna’s childhood and his divine play.  And the language spoken here is slightly different than Hindi. It is called ‘BRAJABULI’.

Seven Holy Cities: Mathura is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven sacred cities in Hinduism, highlighting its spiritual significance. 

Temples and Ghats: The city is dotted with numerous temples, like the Dwarkadhish Temple and Kesava Deo Temple, showcasing intricate architecture and hosting religious festivals. GEETA MANDIR have lessons of Geeta painted on the wall. Other Important Temples are: Jugal Kishore Temple, Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, and Chamunda Devi Temple. 

Vishram Ghat: A sacred bathing spot on the Yamuna where Krishna is believed to have rested after defeating Kans.

FESTIVALS: Mathura comes alive during festivals, especially Holi and Janmashtami which are celebrated with grandeur. Lathmar Holi in Barsana, attracts visitors from around the world. 

Yamuna River: The Yamuna River flows through Mathura and is considered sacred, with pilgrims taking dips in its waters for purification. 

Historical and Cultural Significance: Beyond its religious importance, Mathura is a historical city with a rich cultural heritage, including influences from Buddhism and Jainism. 

Apart from Mahabharata, Mathura’s history includes mentions in the Ramayana and by Ptolemy as “Modoura”. It was also a significant center for trade and art, particularly during the Kushan and Gupta period.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS:

Archaeological findings in Mathura reveal a rich history spanning from the Paleolithic period to the Kushan era and beyond. Key discoveries include Paleolithic stone tools, Painted Grey Ware pottery, and artifacts from the Northern Black Polished Ware culture, indicating settlement and urbanization. Mathura also boasts a significant collection of Jain and Buddhist sculptures, particularly from the Kushan period, alongside statues of Kushan emperors. 

Key Archaeological Findings and Periods: Systematic excavations, particularly at sites like Katra (Krishna Janmasthan), have unearthed valuable artifacts and provided insights into the city’s history. 

  1. Paleolithic Period: Stone tools found in the Govardhan hills suggest early human presence. 
  2. Orche Coloured Pottery (OCP) Culture: Pottery fragments, copper tools, and habitation remains from sites like Aring, Gosna, and Nobjhil indicate a transition to settled agricultural life. 
  3. Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Culture: Fine grey pottery with black patterns, associated with the later Vedic age and the MAHABHARATA ERA. 
  4. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) Culture: Pottery and other artifacts, marking a further stage in urbanization. 
  5. Kushan Period: Statues of Vima Kadphises, Kanishka, and Huvishka, along with a tank lined with baked bricks, highlight the importance of Mathura also as a Kushan capital or an important City of that period. 
  6. Jain and Buddhist Sculptures: Numerous sculptures, including Jain figures and Buddhist artifacts, demonstrate Mathura’s significance as an artistic and religious center. 
  7. Terracotta Objects: Various terracotta items, including those from the late medieval/British period, have been found at sites like Hathi Baba Tila and Gurudwara Tila, showing continuous habitation. 
  8. Indus Script Seals: Seals with Indus Script have been found, some potentially related to metalwork, similar to articles found at sites like Binjor, located at Rajasthan confirming connections to the Indus Valley Civilization. 
  9. People of ancient Indus civilization are believed to be aware of Mahabharata and some sculpture links that residents of INDUS VALLEY worshiped Lord Krishna.

 

Mathura’s Significance as Trade Route Hub:

Mathura’s location at the crossroads of major trade routes, particularly being located on UTTORAPATH’ which later has become BADSHAHI SARAK, contributed to its growth as an important city over thousands and thousands of years. 

HISTORICAL WARS:

Mathura has witnessed numerous conflicts throughout its history, from mythological battles to invasions and religious disputes. These events have significantly shaped the city’s history and continue to resonate in its present-day challenges. 

Ancient Period:  Lord Krishna killed King Kans here, after a fierce Duet. According to Hindu scriptures like the Puranas, the Battle of Mathura involved Shri Krishna and Balarama against Jarasandha’s forces, showcasing the valour and conflicts within the Yadava lineage.

Medieval Period: Mahmud of Ghazni invaded and sacked Mathura in 1018 CE, destroying temples and seizing treasure. The city faced significant devastation and plunder during the invasion.

Sikandar Lodi, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1489 to 1517 CE, also sacked Mathura and destroyed temples, earning the epithet ‘Butt Shikan’ (Destroyer of Idols).

Mughal Period: The Battle of Tilpat in 1669 was part of the Jat Rebellion against the Mughal Empire, triggered by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s policies against Hindus. This battle resulted in a Mughal victory.

Aurangzeb also ravaged Mathura and demolished temples, including the Keshava deva temple, which was then replaced by the Shahi-Eidgah Mosque adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi (believed birthplace of Lord Krishna).

Later Periods: Ahmad Shah Durani attacked Mathura in 1757, causing significant destruction and targeting religious sites.

The British occupied Mathura in 1803 after defeating the Marathas. 

Recent events:  2016 Mathura Clash: A violent clash occurred in June 2016 when police attempted to evict squatters from Jawahar Bagh Park, resulting in casualties on both sides. 

Ongoing disputes:  Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Mosque Dispute: A long-standing conflict exists regarding the Shahi Idgah mosque’s location, which petitioners claim is built on the birthplace of Shri Krishna after demolishing a Hindu temple. This is currently a contested legal dispute. 

I will cover Battle of ‘GOKUL’ 1757 separately for its immense historical importance.

 

KANS QUILA:

Kans Quila is an old fort located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Mathura. It is believed to have been the residence of Kans, the cruel uncle of Lord Krishna. The fort has a massive structure and a very striking appearance, making it one of the most noticeable sights in Mathura.

In the 16th century, the fort was rebuilt by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur. It was occasionally used as his residence. Later, Raja Sawai Jai Singh, a famous astronomer from Jaipur, planned to build an observatory there, but no remains of it can be found today.

In the late 1800s, just before 1857, the fort came under the control of the British East India Company. It was handed over to a contractor named Jyoti Prasad, who demolished much of the fort for its materials. This was a great loss to history and architecture. Today, the fort is in a very ruined condition, even more than when the British left it.

Despite its ruined state, Kans Qila remains an important historical site in Mathura. From nearby Vishram Ghat, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Yamuna River and imagine what the fort might have looked like in its prime.

Local Food in Mathura

Mathura is also famous for its delectable cuisine, particularly its sweets and local delicacies.

Must-Try Foods:-

  1. Peda: A traditional sweet made from khoya (dried milk) and flavoured with cardamom, it is a specialty of Mathura.
  2. Brijwasi Kachori: Spicy kachoris filled with a mixture of lentils and spices, often served with tamarind chutney.
  3. CURDS

 

WHAT EMEREGE: —

  • ‘MATHURA’ – growed from early human settlement into a city before time of ‘MAHABHARATA’—and King ‘KANS’, LORD KRISHNA, BALARAM etc. most probably are not mere imaginations or fictional characters and ‘mythological’ heroes, as explained by Europeans, and Indians influenced by them, based on study of ‘ONE DIMENSIONAL STUDY OF HISTORY’.
  • If you analyze in a manner considering all aspects and evidences in a logical manner, you can conclude that Krishna, Balaram, Kansa, Jarasandha and others lived more than four but before five thousand years ago in this region. Maharshi Vedavyas painted them poetically, assimilating ‘FOLKLORE’ with history and as much as chronology in the EPIC MAHABHARATA.

Further Reading:

  • History of Mathura, C200 BC-AD 300||| By  Aruna Sharma· 2006
  • Other information are available in PUBLIC DOMAIN.

 

 

 

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