Mathura

Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s oldest and most sacred cities, revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Its ancient name Madhupuri appears in early scriptures, and archaeological evidence shows continuous habitation from at least 1000–600 BCE, linking it to the Mahajanapada of Surasena. The city’s location on major trade routes made it an important cultural and commercial centre in ancient India.

Mathura gained exceptional prominence during the Maurya and Shunga periods and became a major hub of the Kushan Empire (1st–3rd century CE). Under the Kushans, it emerged as a flourishing centre of Mathura School of Art, producing iconic sculptures of Buddha, Jina, and Hindu deities in red sandstone.

By the early medieval era, Mathura was a renowned centre of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The region witnessed invasions, including Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack in 1018, followed by rebuilding in later periods. In the 16th century, during the Bhakti movement, saints like Vallabhacharya and Chaitanya revived Krishna worship, further enriching Mathura’s spiritual landscape.

Under the Mughals and later the British, Mathura remained a major pilgrimage site. After Independence, it continued to grow as a cultural, religious, and historic centre.

Today Mathura, along with Vrindavan, forms the heart of Braj Bhoomi, drawing millions of devotees celebrating Krishna’s birth, childhood stories, and timeless traditions.