Mathura Ka Itihaas: Madhuban Se Dwarka Tak Ki Kahani

Mathura Ka Itihaas: A festival, a temple, or anything else, Mathura is always making headlines, and it also attracts tourists from different parts of the world during Holi. The grandeur of this place is indeed worth a visit. That is why, in the following section, we are going to talk about the history of this city. Yes, Mathura is as richly blessed in is history as it is today. The history of this city is not only linked with the period of the Ramayana, but it is also linked with the era of the Mahabharata. It is the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna, who is a Yaduvanshi. The term Mathura comes from the Sanskrit “Mathura,” which translates to “Birthplace of Krishna.” However, other names such as Madhuvan, Madhupur, Madhunagari, and Shursen Nagari also circulate. Mathura is mentioned as the capital of the Surasna Empire in the Mahabharta and Bhagwat Purana.

How did the city get its name?

As per some research, Mathura was settled in the period of Kushan Dynasty. Mathura was also referred to as Madhu Puri. The name was given after a king Madhu who is said to be the ancient ancestor of the Yadavas. Because of the thick forests, it was also referred to as Madhuban at that time.

Claiming to have bound a certain demon named Lavanasura, Ikshvaku Shatrughna proceeded to capture Shatrughna. Following these events, the region’s name was modified from Madhuvan to Madhupura, and eventually to Mathura. This city, along the banks of Yamuna river, is among the top 7 sacred Hindu sites. It’s unique charm thorughout Holi and Janmashtami sets its apart from other cities. It further boasts state museums and colleges, along with new twin city of Vrindavan.

Who reigned and when?

During the second century, Mathura hosted a population of Buddhists and Jains. In 1017-18, Mathura was plundered by Mahmud Ghaznavi. Between the years of 1500 and 1757, Mathura endured four different lootings. Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura was constructed in the 17th Century. The city was invaded and controlled by the British in 1804. In Mathura, Shahi Idgah Mosque was erected in the 17th century. Mathura was the center of the Surasena Empire in the 6th century. Further, from the 4th to the 2nd century C. Mathura was under the control of the Maurya Empire. As there are no archaeological records to support Shunga’s presence in Mathura, it is said that Shunga never exercised direct authority over Mathura.

The iniciation of control by the Indo Greeks over Mathura was gradual as they penetrated between 180 BCE and 100 BCE. This extension of control lasted until at least 70 BCE. This was documented in the Yavanarajya Inscriptions located in Maghera. Following the Indo Greek rule, Mathura was under local rule till it was invaded by Indo Scythians around the 1st century BCE. Contrary to the Satraps rule in Gujarat and Malwa, these Indo Scythians Mathura were known as Northern Satraps.

Rajuvula set the Northern Satrap rule and Khariballana continued to rule as the Great Satrap in C 130 CE, sacrificing independence for protection from Kushan rule. Known as the Satapa, ‘Vanaspara’ was also a ruler in the 3rd year of Kanishka. Both rulers embedded Mathura with inscriptions to showcase their loyalty and sacrifice to the Kushan rule.

Buddhism was at its strongest in the fourth century followed by a decline in their art and cultures. The Kushan dynasty marked the zenith of Mathura art and culture with Purushapura, now Peshawer in Pakistan, serving as headquarter.

Mathura is popularly known for its religious beliefs as well as connections to Lord Krishna’s life and activities. Another renowned moniker for the region is as the ‘land of Lord Krishna’. The region’s history and origin dates back to ancient civilizations of ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’ as well as to Jay-Vijaya’s blockade of Mathura. It holds special significance as a well planned economically developed grand city.

Around 400CE, the city was already a center of Buddhism. It was also reported to have around 20 monasteries as well as Brahmanical temples. Mathura is regarded as a capital city of eastern Punjab. This location in Punjab boasts of more than 40 chedi style stupas, alongside tehri and jadeite sculptures. Mathura also has some of the deepest and significant ancient ruins which assist in piecing together the entire picture of Indian civilization.

The rule from 1489 to 1518 CE was under Sultanate of Delhi’s reigning emperor Sikandar Lodhi who, for the long duration of his reign, was an eminent destroyer of temples inclusive of Hindu’s auspicious shaving temples. After him, the Mughal rule set foot in posing further destruction through his emanated orders for razing down several temples from the shrine of Krishna Janmabhoomi and installation of Idgah mosque. Structures like Agra fort and Taj Mahal ring in the eye of the beholder as pure masterpieces.

It forms one of the main sites of Braj Bhoomi. It is believed that Lord Shri Krishna spent his childhood in this location. Some of temples present here are Rangji Temple, Govind Dev Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Radha Ballabh Temple, Nidhivan Temple, Pagal Baba Temple. It is also quite well known for the Vrindavan forest.

What was the reason that Shri Krishna left Mathura to go to Dwarka?

It is believed that once Kansa was killed, his relative Jarasandh began to raid Mathura seeking for revenge. This was done 17 times in a row. In all of the attacks, Jarasandh was defeated but he –was persistent and kept launching his attempts. In such circumstances, Shri Krishna understood that his hands were tied when it came to Jarasandh's death, thus to protect his people from his tyrannical rule, Lord Shri Krishna deserted Mathura as well as set out to claim Gujarat. There, he founded a miraculous city on the coastline and named it Dwarka.

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