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{{Short description|City in Uttar Pradesh, India}}
{{About|the municipality in Uttar Pradesh, India|its namesake district|Mathura district}}
{{Other uses|Mathura (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| native_name        = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name_lang   = 
| settlement_type    = City
| official_name      = Mathura
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 280
| image_style              = 
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/2
| image1 = Vishram Ghat.jpg
| image2= Life in colour - Thousands celebrate Holi in Mathura.jpg
| image3 = Mathura Temple-Mathura-India0002.JPG
| image4= KANS FORT.jpg
| image5= Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-23 5016.JPG
| image6 = Vrindavan Prem Mandir 4.jpg
| caption6 = Prem Mandir }}
| image_alt          = Mathura
| image_caption      = '''Clockwise from top:''' [[Vishram Ghat]] on banks of river [[Yamuna]], [[Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex|Keshavdeva Temple]], [[Mathura Museum]], [[Kans Quila]] and [[Holi]] celebrations in Mathura
| nickname           = Krishnanagri; The City of Lord Krishna
| map_alt            = Mathura
| pushpin_map        = India Uttar Pradesh#India3
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| pushpin_map_alt    = Mathura
| coordinates        = {{coord|27|29|33|N|77|40|25|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[List of states and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of Uttar Pradesh|District]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Mathura district|Mathura]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Administrative divisions of Uttar Pradesh|Division]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Agra division|Agra]]
| established_title = Settled
| established_date = 1100 BCE
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body     = Mathura-Vrindavan Municipal Corporation
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Vinod Agarwal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etnownews.com/news/live-mathura-vrindavan-mayor-election-result-2023-counting-news-online-latest-updates-vinod-agarwal-bjp-raja-mohtasim-ahmed-bsp-liveblog-100204223|title=BJP's mayoral candidate from Mathura Vinod Agarwal wins|work=ET Now News|date=13 May 2023 |accessdate=22 May 2023}}</ref>
| leader_party       = [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| leader_title2      = 
| leader_name2       = 
| leader_title3      = [[Member of Legislative Assembly]]
| leader_name3       = [[Shrikant Sharma]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| leader_title4      = [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]]
| leader_name4       = [[Hema Malini]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|title=Mathura City|url=http://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/28UP_mathura_sfcp-min.pdf|website=mohua.gov.in|access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 39
| population_total   = 441,894
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=7 December 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2 = [[Urdu]]<ref name="langoff"/>
| demographics1_title3 = Regional
| demographics1_info3 = [[Braj Bhasha]]<ref name="LuciaMichelutti1"/>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 281001
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| area_code          = 0565
| registration_plate = UP-85
| website            = {{URL|mathura.nic.in}}
}}
{{BuddhasHolySites}}
'''Mathura''' ({{IPA|bra|mɐ.t̪ʰʊ.ɾäː|audio=Mathura.ogg}}) is a city and the administrative headquarters of [[Mathura district]] in the [[states and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. It is located {{convert|162|km}} south-east of [[Delhi]]; and about {{convert|15|km}} from the town of [[Vrindavan]]. In ancient times, Mathura was an [[economic]] hub, located at the junction of important [[caravan (travellers)|caravan]] routes. The [[2011 Census of India]] estimated the population of Mathura at 441,894.

In [[Hinduism]], the birthplace of [[Krishna]], one of the main deities in that religion, is believed to be located in Mathura at the [[Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex]].<ref name=Prasad>{{cite book|last=Prasad|first=Dev|author-link=Dev Prasad|title=Krishna: A Journey through the Lands & Legends of Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0_5caqiUH0C&pg=PT22|year=2015|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-170-7|page=22}}</ref> It is one of the [[Sapta Puri]], the seven cities considered holy by [[Hindus]], also is called Mokshyadayni Tirth. The [[Kesava Deo Temple]] was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's birthplace (an underground [[prison]]). Mathura was the capital of the kingdom of [[Surasena]], ruled by [[Kamsa]], the maternal uncle of Krishna. Mathura is part of the [[Krishna]] circuit (Mathura, Vrindavan, [[Barsana]], [[Govardhan]], [[48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra|Kurukshetra]], [[Dwarka]] and [[Bhalka]]). [[Krishna Janmashtami]] is grandly celebrated in Mathura every year.

Mathura has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for the [[Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana]] scheme of Government of India.<ref name=holycity/>

==History==
{{see also|Mathura art}}
Traditionally it is believed that it was founded by [[Shatrughna]] after killing [[Yadava]] [[Lavana]] at the site of Madhuvana. According to [[Ramayana]] it was founded by [[Madhu]] (a man of the [[Yadu|Yadu tribe]]). Later on Madhu's son [[Lavanasura]] was defeated by Satrughana.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Prasad |first=Prakash Charan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RSW8az3Q_dEC |title=Foreign Trade and Commerce in Ancient India |date=1977 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-053-2 |language=en}}</ref> Madhu says all the territory of Mathura belongs to [[Abhiras]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Institute |first=Bhandarkar Oriental Research |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-ksAQAAMAAJ |title=Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Poona |date=1917 |publisher=The Institute |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Edwin Lord Weeks - Along the Ghats, Mathura.jpg|thumb|Along the Ghats of Mathura ({{Circa|1880}})]]
[[File:Kankali Tila (Jaini mound).jpg|thumb|General view of the excavations in January 1889 at Kankali Tila, Mathura]]
[[File:Kanishka enhanced.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of [[Kanishka I]], second century CE, [[Mathura Museum]]]]
[[File:KITLV 87971 - Unknown - Sculpture of a woman at Mathura in British India - 1897.tif|thumb|upright|Sculpture of woman from ancient Braj-Mathura, {{Circa}} second century CE]]
Mathura, which lies at the centre of the cultural region of [[Braj]]<ref name="LuciaMichelutti1">{{cite web | url=http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/2106/1/U613338.pdf | title=Sons of Krishna: the politics of Yadav community formation in a North Indian town | publisher=London School of Economics and Political Science University of London | work=PhD Thesis Social Anthropology | date=2002 | access-date=20 May 2015 | author=Lucia Michelutti | pages=49}}</ref> has an ancient history and is also believed to be the homeland and birthplace of Krishna, who belonged to the [[Yadu]] dynasty. According to the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] plaque at the [[Mathura Museum]],<ref name=Britishlibrary>{{cite book|author=Frederic Salmon Growse|author-link=Frederic Salmon Growse|title=Mathura: A District Memoir|url=https://archive.org/details/mathurdistrictme00grow/page/n3|year= 1874|publisher= Government Press}}</ref> the city is mentioned in the oldest Indian epic, the ''Ramayana''. In the epic, the [[Ikshwaku]] prince Shatrughna slays a demon called Lavanasura and claims the land. Afterwards, the place came to be known as [[Madhuvan]] as it was thickly wooded, then Madhupura and later Mathura.<ref name=p1>Pargiter, F.E. (1972). ''Ancient Indian Historical Tradition'', Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, p.170.</ref> The most important pilgrimage site in Mathura was Katra ('market place'), now referred to as [[Krishna]] Janmasthan ('the birthplace of Krishna'). Excavations at the site revealed pottery and terracotta dating to the sixth century BCE, the remains of a large [[Buddhist]] complex, including a monastery called Yasha Vihara of the [[Gupta Empire|Gupta]] period, as well as [[Jainism|Jain]] sculptures of the same era.<ref>{{cite book |author=Meenakshi Jain |date=2019 |title=Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples: Episodes from Indian History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAQNxQEACAAJ |publisher=Aryan Books International |page=66 |isbn=978-8173056192}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} District Mathura, Government of Uttar Pradesh {{!}} India|url=https://mathura.nic.in/history/|access-date=12 January 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Ancient history===
Archaeological excavations at Mathura show the gradual growth of a village into an important city during the [[Vedic age]]. The earliest period belonged to the [[Painted Grey Ware culture]] (1100–500 BCE), followed by the [[Northern Black Polished Ware]] culture (700–200 BCE). Mathura derived its importance as a center of trade due to its location where the [[Grand Trunk Road|northern trade route]] of the [[Indo-Gangetic Plain]] met with the routes to [[Malwa]] (central India) and the [[Western India|west coast]].<ref name="Singh2008">{{cite book|author=Upinder Singh|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&pg=PA281|year=2008|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-1120-0|pages=281, 336}}</ref> Archaeologists have discovered a fragment of Mathura red sandstone from [[Rakhigarhi]] - a site of [[Indus Valley civilisation]] dated to third millennium BCE - which was used as a grindstone; red sandstone was also a popular material for [[Art of Mathura|historic period sculptures]].<ref>{{Cite journal |journal=Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology |last1=S.gautam|first1=Mantabya|last2=Law|first2=Randall|last3=Garge|first3=Tejas|title=Initial Geologic Provenience Studies of Stone and Metal Artefacts from Rakhigarhi|url=https://www.academia.edu/10827842|language=en}}</ref>

By the sixth century BCE Mathura became the capital of the [[Surasena|Surasena Kingdom]].<ref name=ImpGazetteer /> The city was later ruled by the [[Maurya]] empire (fourth to second centuries BCE). [[Megasthenes]], writing in the early third century BCE, mentions Mathura as a great city under the name Μέθορα (''Méthora'').<ref>Megasthenes, fragment 23 "The Surasenians, an Indian tribe, with two great cities, Methora and Clisobora; the navigable river [[Iomanes]] flows through their territory" quoted in [[Arrian]] Indica 8.5. Also "The river Jomanes ([[Yamuna]]) flows through the Palibothri into the Ganges between the towns Methora and Carisobora." in [http://www.mssu.edu/projectsouthasia/history/primarydocs/Foreign_Views/GreekRoman/Megasthenes-Indika.htm FRAGM. LVI. Plin. Hist. Nat. VI. 21. 8–23. 11.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210080315/http://www.mssu.edu/projectsouthasia/history/primarydocs/Foreign_Views/GreekRoman/Megasthenes-Indika.htm |date=10 December 2008 }}</ref> It seems it never was under the direct control of the following [[Shunga Empire|Shunga]] dynasty (2nd century BCE) as not a single archaeological remain of a Shunga presence were ever found in Mathura.<ref name="Rhie"/>

The [[Indo-Greeks]] may have taken control, direct or indirect, of Mathura some time between 180 BCE and 100 BCE, and remained so as late as 70 BCE according to the [[Yavanarajya inscription]],<ref name="Rhie">History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE, Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, BRILL, 2007, p.8-10 [https://books.google.com/books?id=X7Cb8IkZVSMC&pg=PA8]</ref> which was found in [[Maghera]], a town {{convert|17|km}} from Mathura.<ref name=BotAI /> The opening of the 3 line text of this inscription in [[Brahmi script]] translates as: "In the 116th year of the [[Yavana]] kingdom..."<ref>{{cite book|title=Kushāṇa studies: new perspectives|author=B. N. Mukherjee|publisher=Firma KLM|isbn=81-7102-109-3|page=13|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6VBuAAAAMAAJ|author-link=B. N. Mukherjee|year=2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Ancient Indian coins|author1=Osmund Bopearachchi|author2=Wilfried Pieper|publisher=Brepols|date=1998|isbn=2-503-50730-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6UVmAAAAMAAJ}}</ref> or '"In the 116th year of Yavana hegemony" ("''Yavanarajya''")<ref name="Rhie"/> However, this also corresponds to the presence of the native [[Mitra dynasty (Mathura)|Mitra dynasty]] of local rulers in Mathura, in approximately the same time frame (150 BCE—50 BCE), possibly pointing to a vassalage relationship with the Indo-Greeks.<ref name="Rhie"/>

====Indo-Scythians====
After a period of local rule, Mathura was conquered by the [[Indo-Scythians]] during the first century BCE. The Indo-Scythian satraps of Mathura are sometimes called the "[[Northern Satraps]]", as opposed to the "[[Western Satraps]]" ruling in [[Gujarat]] and [[Malwa]]. However, Indo-Scythian control proved to be short lived, following the reign of the Indo-Scythian ''Mahakshatrapa'' ("Great Satrap") [[Rajuvula]], {{Circa|10}}–25 CE. The Mora Well inscription of Mahakshatrapa [[Rajuvula]], of the early decades of the first century CE, found in a village seven miles from Mathura, stated that images ''pratima(h)'' of the blessed (''bhagavatam'') five [[Vrishni heroes]], were installed in a stone shrine of a person called Tosa.<ref name="auto2">{{cite book |author=Meenakshi Jain |date=2019 |title=Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples: Episodes from Indian History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAQNxQEACAAJ |publisher=Aryan Books International |page=64 |isbn=978-8173056192}}</ref> The heroes were identified from a passage in the [[Vayu Purana]] as Samkarsana, [[Vasudeva|Vasudev]], Pradyumna, Samba, and Aniruddha.<ref>{{cite book |author=Jitendra Nath Banerjea |date=1968 |title=Religion in Art and Archaeology: Vaishnavism and Saivism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uVKGvgAACAAJ |publisher=University of Lucknow |pages=12–13}}</ref> The English translation of the inscription read:-

{{Blockquote|. . . of the son of mahakṣatrapa Rāṃjūvula, svāmi . . . The images of the holy paṃcavīras of the Vṛṣṇis is... the stone shrine... whom the magnificent matchless stone house of Toṣā was erected and maintained... five objects of adoration made of stone, radiant, as it were with highest beauty...<ref>{{cite book |author=Sonya Rhie Quintanilla |date=2007 |title=History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE – 100 CE |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rtqvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA261 |publisher=BRILL |pages=260–261 |isbn=978-9004155374}}</ref>}}

The Mathura inscription of the time of Mahakshatrapa [[Rajuvula]]'s son, Mahakshatrapa [[Sodasa]] recorded erection of a ''torana'' (gateway), ''vedika'' (terrace) and ''chatuhsala'' (quadrangle) at the ''Mahasthana'' (great place) of Bhagavat Vasudeva.<ref>{{cite book |author=Harihar Panda |date=2007 |title=Prof. H.C. Raychaudhuri, as a Historian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f1XMtc2Q97IC&pg=PA80 |publisher=Northern Book Centre |page=80 |isbn=978-8172112103}}</ref> Several male torsos representing the Vrisni heroes were also found in a shrine in Mora dating to the time of Mahakshatrapa [[Sodasa]].<ref name="auto2"/>

====Kushan Empire====
The [[Kushan Empire|Kushan]] emperors took control of Mathura some time after the ''[[Mahakshatrapa]]'' ("Great Satrap") [[Sodasa]] (reigned circa 15 CE), although several of his successors ruled as Kushan vassals, such as the Indo-Scythian ''Mahakshatrapa'' [[Kharapallana]] and the Satrap [[Vanaspara]], both of whom paid allegiance to the Kushans, in an inscription at [[Sarnath]], dating to the third year of the reign of the Kushan emperor [[Kanishka|Kanishka the Great]] {{Circa|130}} CE.<ref>''A Catalogue of the Indian Coins in the British Museum. Andhras etc...''. Rapson, p. ciii.</ref> 

The Kushans made Mathura one of their capitals. (Preceding and/or concurrent capitals of the Kushans included [[Kapisa (city)|Kapisa]] [modern Bagram, Afghanistan], [[Purushapura]] [modern Peshawar, Pakistan] and [[Sirsukh|Takshasila]] [adjoining modern Taxila, Pakistan].)

Mathuran art and culture reached its zenith during the Kushan era.<ref name="singh">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Upinder|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|date=2008|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=9788131716779|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ&q=purushapura&pg=PA377|access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> Perhaps the most famous example was the artistic style known as the [[Art of Mathura|Mathura school]]. Mathura [[atelier]]s were most active during the epoch of the great Kushan emperors Kanishka, [[Huvishka]], [[Vasudeva I|Vasudeva]] whose reign represents the Golden Age of Mathura [[sculpture]].<ref name="auto1">{{cite book |author= Vasudeva S. Agrawala |date=1965 |title=Masterpieces of Mathura Sculpture |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.42876/page/n5/mode/2up |publisher=Prithivi Prakashan, Varanasi |page=2}}</ref> 

During the 3rd century CE, following the decline of the Kushan Empire, the [[Nagas of Padmavati|Naga dynasty of Padmavati]] took control of Mathura.{{sfn|Ashvini Agrawal|1989|p=54}}

====Gupta Empire====
In the reign of [[Chandragupta Vikramaditya]], a magnificent temple of [[Vishnu]] was built at the site of Katra Keshavadeva.<ref name="auto1"/> [[Kalidasa]], hailed as the greatest poet and dramatist in [[Sanskrit]], in the fourth-fifth century CE mentioned the groves of [[Vrindavan]] and [[Govardhan]] hill as:

{{Blockquote|"...the king of Mathura, whose fame was acknowledged in song even by the devatas... At that moment, though still in Mathura, it appears as if Ganga has merged with Yamuna at the Sangam... In a Vrindavan garden which is superior even to Kubera's garden, known as Chaitra-ratha... You can, as well, during rains, look at the dancing peacocks, while sitting in a pleasant cave of the Goverdhan Mountain"<ref>{{cite book |author= Rajendra Tandon |date=2010 |title=Kalidasa: Raghuvamsham |publisher=Rupa Publication |pages=45–51 |isbn=978-8129115867}}</ref>}}

Chinese Buddhist Monk [[Faxian]] mentions the city as a centre of Buddhism about 400 CE. He found the people were very well off, there were no taxes other than for those on farmers who tilled the royal land. He found that people did not kill animals, no one consumed wine, and did not eat onion or garlic.  He found that engraved title deeds were issued to land owners. Visiting priests were provided with accommodation, beds, mats, food, drinks and clothes to perform scholarly works.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Beal|first=Samuel|title=Si-Yu-Ki: Buddhist Records of the Western World (translated from chinese)|publisher=Truebner & Co|year=1884|location=London}}</ref>{{Page needed|date=March 2020}}

====Harsha Empire====
[[Xuanzang]], who visited the city in 634 CE, mentions it as Mot'ulo, recording that it contained twenty Buddhist monasteries and many Hindu temples.<ref name=rongxi103>Li Rongxi (1996), ''The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions'', Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai and Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Berkeley, pp. 103–108</ref><ref name=EB1911>{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Muttra|volume=19|pages=101–102}} (Mathura)</ref> Later, he went east to [[Thanesar]], [[Jalandhar]] in the eastern [[Punjab region|Punjab]], before climbing up to visit predominantly [[Theravada]] monasteries in the [[Kulu valley]] and turning southward again to [[Bairat]] and then Mathura, on the [[Yamuna river]].<ref>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Hsüan Tsang |volume=13  |page=844 |first1=Henry |last1=Yule |first2=Robert Kennaway |last2=Douglas}}</ref>

===Medieval History and Islamic Invasions===

====Early Middle Ages====
The famous female [[Alvars|Alvar]] saint, [[Andal]] visualised going to a pilgrimage which began at Mathura, then proceeded to [[Gokul]], the [[Yamuna]], the pool of Kaliya, [[Vrindavan]], [[Govardhan]], and finished at [[Dwarka]].<ref>{{cite book |author= Friedhelm Hardy |date=2001 |title=Viraha-bhakti: The Early History of Kṛṣṇa Devotion in South India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=spZdOwAACAAJ |publisher=Oxford University Press, Varanasi |page=424 |isbn=978-0195649161}}</ref> The eleventh century Kashmiri poet, [[Bilhana]] visited Mathura and [[Vrindavan]] after leaving Kashmir en route to Karnataka.<ref>{{cite book |author= (trans.) Georg Bühler |date=1875 |title=The Vikramânkadevacharita, a life of King Vikramâditya – Tribhuvanamalla of Kalyâna by Bilhana|url=https://archive.org/details/vikramnkadevacha00bilh/page/18/mode/2up |page=18|publisher=Bombay, Government central book depôt }}</ref>

====High Middle Ages====
The city was sacked and many of its temples destroyed by [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] in 1018 CE.<ref name=EB1911/> The capture of Mathura by [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Maḥmūd Ibn Sebüktegīn]] is described by the historian al-Utbi (Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Muhammad al Jabbaru-l 'Utbi) in his work [[Tarikh Yamini]] as follows:

{{Blockquote|The wall of the city was constructed of hard stone, and two gates opened upon the river flowing under the city, which were erected upon strong and lofty foundations, to protect them against the floods of the river and rains. On both sides of the city there were a thousand houses, to which idol temples were attached, all strengthened from top to bottom by rivets of iron, and all made of masonry work; and opposite to them were other buildings, supported on broad wooden pillars, to give them strength.}}

{{Blockquote|In the middle of the city there was a temple larger and firmer than the rest, which can neither be described nor painted. The Sultan thus wrote respecting it :— " If any should wish to construct a building equal to this, he would not be able to do it without expending an hundred thousand thousand red dinars, and it would occupy two hundred years, even though the most experienced and able workmen were employed." Among the idols there were five made of red gold, each five yards high, fixed in the air without support. In the eyes of one of these idols there were two rubies, of such value, that if any one were to sell such as are like them, he would obtain fifty thousand dinars. On another, there was a sapphire purer than water, and more sparkling than crystal; the weight was four hundred and fifty miskals. The two feet of another idol weighed four thousand four hundred miskals, and the entire quantity of gold yielded by the bodies of these idols, was ninety-eight thousand three hundred miskals. The idols of silver amounted to two hundred, but they could not be weighed without breaking them to pieces and putting them into scales. The Sultan gave orders that all the temples should be burnt with naphtha and fire, and levelled with the ground.<ref>{{cite book |author= Sir Henry Miers Elliot & John Dowson |date= 1867|title=The History of India, as told by its own Historians Volume 2 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofindiaas02elli/page/n61/mode/2up |pages=44–45}}</ref>}}

The temple at Katra was sacked by [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Maḥmūd Ibn Sebüktegīn]]. A temple was built to replace it in 1150 CE. The Mathura ''prasasti'' (Eulogistic Inscription) dated [[Vikram Samvat|Samvat (V.S.)]] 1207 (1150 CE), said to have been found in 1889 CE at the Keshava mound by [[Alois Anton Führer|Anton Fuhrer]], German Indologist who worked with the Archaeological Survey of India, recorded the foundations of a temple dedicated to [[Vishnu]] at the Katra site:

{{Blockquote|Jajja, who carried the burden of the varga, together with a committee of trustees (goshtijana), built a large temple of Vishnu, brilliantly white and touching the clouds.}}

Jajja was a vassal of the [[Gahadavala dynasty|Gahadavalas]] in charge of Mathura, and the committee mentioned in the ''prasasti'' could have been of an earlier [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] temple.<ref>{{cite book |author=Meenakshi Jain |date=2019 |title=Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples: Episodes from Indian History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAQNxQEACAAJ |publisher=Aryan Books International |page=67 |isbn=978-8173056192}}</ref> The temple built by Jajja at Katra was destroyed by the forces of [[Qutb al-Din Aibak|Qutubuddin Aibak]], though [[Firuz Shah Tughlaq|Feroz Tughlaq]] (r. 1351–88 CE) was also said to have attacked it.<ref>{{cite book |author=Meenakshi Jain |date=2019 |title=Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples: Episodes from Indian History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAQNxQEACAAJ |publisher=Aryan Books International |page=68 |isbn=978-8173056192}}</ref> It was repaired and survived till the reign of [[Sikandar Lodi]] (r. 1489–1517 CE).

In the twelfth century, Bhatta Lakshmidhara, chief minister of the [[Gahadavala dynasty|Gahadavala]] king [[Govindachandra (Gahadavala dynasty)|Govindachandra]] (r. 1114–1155 CE), wrote the earliest surviving collection of verses in praise of the sacred sites of Mathura in his work Krtyakalpataru, which has been described as "the first re-statement of the theory of ''Tirtha-yatra'' (pilgrimage)".<ref>{{cite book |author=K.V. Rangaswami Aiyangar |date=1942 |title=Krtyakalpataru of Bhatta Lakshmidhara, Vol.8 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.11502/page/n89/mode/2up |publisher=Oriental Institute, Baroda |page=lxxxvii–lxxxviii}}</ref> In his Krtyakalpataru, Bhatta Lakshmidhara devoted an entire section (9) to Mathura.<ref>{{cite book |author=K.V. Rangaswami Aiyangar |date=1942 |title=Krtyakalpataru of Bhatta Lakshmidhara, Vol.8 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.11502/page/n279/mode/2up |publisher=Oriental Institute, Baroda |page=१८६-१९४ (186–194)}}</ref>

Later on the city was sacked again by Sikandar Lodi, who ruled the [[Sultanate of Delhi]] from 1489 to 1517 CE.<ref>[http://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D03601021%26ct%3D94 Sultan Sikandar Lodi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113007/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D03601021%26ct%3D94 |date=4 March 2016 }} ''The Muntakhabu-'rūkh'' by [[Al-Badauni|Al-Badāoni]] (16th-century historian), [[Packard Humanities Institute]].</ref><ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V02_404.gif Lodi Kings: Chart] [[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]], 1909, v. 2, ''p. 369.''.</ref> Sikandar Lodi earned the epithet of 'Butt Shikan', the 'Destroyer of Idols'. [[Firishta|Ferishta]] recorded that Sikandar Lodi was a staunch Muslim, with a passion for vandalising heathen temples:

{{Blockquote|He was firmly attached to the Mahomedan religion, and made a point of destroying all Hindu temples. In the city of Mathura he caused masjids and bazaars to be built opposite the bathing-stairs leading to the river, and ordered that no Hindus should be allowed to bathe there. He forbade the barbers to shave the beards and heads of the inhabitants, in order to prevent the Hindus following their usual practices at such pilgrimages.<ref>{{cite book |author=John Briggs |date=1908 |title=History of the rise of the Mahomedan power in India till the year A.D. 1612 Volume 1|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofriseofm01feri_0/page/586/mode/2up |page=586}}</ref>}}

In Tarikh-i Daudi, of 'Abdu-lla (written during the time of [[Jahangir]]) said of Sikandar Lodi:

{{Blockquote|He was so zealous a Musulman that he utterly destroyed divers places of worship of the infidels, and left not a vestige remaining of them. He entirely ruined the shrines of Mathura, the mine of heathenism, and turned their principal Hindu places of worship into caravanserais and colleges. Their stone images were given to the butchers to serve them as meat-weights, and all the Hindus in Mathura were strictly prohibited from shaving their heads and beards, and performing their ablutions. He thus put an end to all the idolatrous rites of the infidels there; and no Hindu, if he wished to have his head or beard shaved, could get a barber to do it. Every city thus conformed as he desired to the customs of Islam.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sir H.M. Elliot & John Dowson |date=1873 |title=History of India, as told by its own Historians: the Muhammadan period Vol.4 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.5329/page/n453/mode/2up |page=447}}</ref>}}

[[Vallabha]]charya and [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] arrived in the Braj region, in search of sacred places that had been destroyed or lost. In ''Shrikrsnashrayah'', that make up the ''Sodashagrantha'', [[Vallabha]] said of his age:

{{Blockquote|The Malechchhas (non-Hindus in this context) have surrounded all the holy places with the result that they have become infected with evil. Besides, the holy people are full of sorrow. At such a time [[Krishna]] alone is my way.<ref>{{cite book|author=Richard Barz |title=Bhakti Sect Of Vallabhacarya |url=https://archive.org/details/bhaktisectofvallabhacaryarichardbarzmrmlms_202003_574_W/page/n23/mode/2up |year=1992 |publisher=Motilal UK Books of India |isbn=978-8121505765 |pages=16}}</ref>}}

====Late Middle Ages====

The [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]], Father Antonio Monserrate (1536 CE-1600 CE), who was on a Jesuit mission at the Mughal Court during the times of [[Akbar]], visited Mathura in 1580–82, and noted that all temples built at sites associated with the deeds of [[Krishna]] were in ruins:-

{{Blockquote|It (Mathura) used to be a great and well populated city, with splendid buildings and a great circuit of walls. The ruins plainly indicate how imposing its buildings were. For out of these forgotten ruins are dug up columns and very ancient statues, of skilful and cunning workmanship. Only one Hindu temple is left out of many; for the Musalmans have completely destroyed all except the pyramids. Huge crowds of pilgrims come from all over India to this temple, which is situated on the high bank of the Jomanis ([[Yamuna]])...<ref>{{cite book |author= J. S. Hoyland (trans.), S. N. Banerjee (annotator) |title=Commentary of Father Monserrate |date=1922 |publisher=Oxford University Press |page=93 |url=https://archive.org/details/commentaryoffath00mons/page/92/mode/2up}}</ref>}}

The [[Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex|Keshavadeva temple]] was rebuilt by the [[Bundela]] Rajput Rajah [[Vir Singh Deo]] at a cost of thirty-three lakh rupees when the gold was priced at around ₹ 10/- per [[Tola (unit)|''tola'']].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sdbullion.com/gold-price-history |title=Historical Gold Prices |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=sdbullion.com |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref> And the grand structure of the temple in Mathura was regarded a "wonder of the age".<ref>{{cite book |author=Jadunath Sarkar |date=1928 |title=History Of Aurangzib Vol.3 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.111047/page/n279/mode/2up |page=266}}</ref>

The [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[Aurangzeb|Emperor Aurangzeb]], built the Shahi-Eidgah Mosque during his rule, which is adjacent to [[Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi]] believed to be over a [[Hindu temple]].<ref>{{Cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3ctLNvx68hIC&q=akbar%27s+tomb+desecrated+by+jats&pg=PA108 | title = Architecture of Mughal India | isbn = 9780521267281 | last1 = Asher | first1 = Catherine B | date = 24 September 1992 | publisher = Cambridge University Press }}</ref> He also changed the city's name to Islamabad.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fisher |first1=Michael H. |title=An Environmental History of India: From Earliest Times to the Twenty-First Century |date=2018 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-11162-2 |page=109 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kZVuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA109 |language=en}}</ref> In 1669, Aurangzeb issued a general order for the demolition of Hindu schools and temples, in 1670, specifically ordered the destruction of the Keshavadeva temple. Saqi Mustaid Khan recorded:

{{Blockquote|On Thursday, 27th January/15 Ramzan (27 January 1670)... the Emperor as the promoter of justice and overthrower of mischief, as a knower of truth and destroyer of oppression as the zephyr of the garden of victory and the reviver of the faith of the Prophet, issued orders for the demolition of the temple situated in Mathura, famous as the Dehra of Kesho Rai. In a short time by the great exertions of his officers, the destruction of this strong foundation of infidelity was accomplished and on its site a lofty mosque was built by the expenditure of a large sum... Praised be the august God of the faith of Islam, that in the auspicious reign of this destroyer of infidelity and turbulence, such a wonderful and seemingly impossible work was successfully accomplished.}}

{{Blockquote|On seeing this instance of the strength of the emperor's faith and the grandeur of his devotion to God, the proud Rajas were stifled, and in amazement they stood like images facing the wall. The idols, large and small, set with costly jewels, which had been set up in the temple, were brought to Agra, and buried under the step of the mosque of the Begum Shahib in order to be continuously trodden upon. The name of Mathura was changed to Islamabad.<ref>{{cite book |author=Jadunath Sarkar |date=1947 |title=Maasir-i-Alamgiri, A History Of Emperor Aurangzeb by Saqi Mustaid Khan |url=https://archive.org/details/ahistoryofemporeraurangzebalamgirmaasirialamgirijadunathsarkar_64_c/page/n67/mode/2up |page=60}}</ref>}}

The Muslim conquest resulted in the destruction of all [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], [[Jainism|Jain]], and [[Hinduism|Hindu]] temples and monuments in and around Mathura. [[Buddhism]], already in decline, never revived, and for the next four hundred years the [[Jainism|Jains]] and [[Hindus]] were unable to erect any temples that were not sooner or later demolished.<ref name="auto">{{cite book |author=A. W. Entwistle |date=1987 |title=Braj: Centre of Krishna Pilgrimage |url=https://digital.soas.ac.uk/content/AA/00/00/03/01/00001/PDF_TXT.pdf |publisher=Egbert Forsten Publishing |pages=122–124 |isbn=978-9069800165}}</ref> Many of the sites that had been places of religious importance were abandoned and gradually sank beneath the earth. But some of them were not forgotten, owing to the persistence of oral tradition, the refashioning of a temple into a mosque, or the presence of humble shrines, some of which housed sculptural fragments of earlier buildings. Several of them have survived as places of significance in the modern pilgrimage circuit.<ref name="auto"/>

"The rebellion in Mathurá district seems to have gained ground. 'On the 14th Rajab, 1080, [28 November 1669], his Majesty left Dihlí for Akbarábád, and almost daily enjoyed the pleasures of the chase. On the 21st Rajab, whilst hunting, he received the report of a rebellion having broken out at Mauza' Rewarah, Chandarkah, and Surkhrú. Hasan 'Ali Khán was ordered to attack the rebels at night, which he did, and the firing lasted till 12 o'clock the next day. The rebels, unable longer to withstand, thinking of the honour of their families, now fought with short arms, and many imperial soldiers and companions of Hasan ’Alí were killed. Three hundred rebels were sent to perdition, and two hundred and fifty, men and women, caught. Hasan ’Alí, in the afternoon, reported personally the result of the fight, and was ordered to leave the prisoners and the cattle in charge of Sayyid Zain ul-'Abidin, the jágirdár of the place. Çaf Shikan Khán also (who after ’Abdunnabí's death had been appointed Faujdár of Mathura) waited on the emperor, and was ordered to tell off two hundred troopers to guard the fields attached to the villages, and prevent soldiers from plundering and kidnapping children. Námdár Khán, Faujdár of Murádábád, also came to pay his respects. Çafshikan Khán was removed from his office, and Hasan 'Ali Khán was appointed Faujdár of Mathura, with a command of Three Thousand and Five Hundred, 2000 troopers, and received a dress of honour, a sword, and a horse. * * * On the 18th Sha'bán [1st January, 1670), his Majesty entered Agrah. Kokilá Ját, the wicked ringleader of the rebels of District*......, who had been the cause of ’Abdunnabí's death and who had plundered Parganah Sa'dábád, was at last caught by Hasan ’Alí Khán and his zealous peshkár, Shaikh Razíuddin, and he was now sent with the Shaikh to Agrah, where by order of his Majesty he was executed. Kokila's son and daughter were given to Jawahir Khán Nazir [a eunuch]. The girl was later married to Shah Quli, the well-known Chelah; and his son, who was called Fázil, became in time so excellent a Hafiz [one who knows the Qorán by heart], that his Majesty preferred him to all others and even chaunted passages to him. Shaikh Razíuddin, who had captured Kokila, belonged to a respectable family in Bhagalpur, Bihár, and was an excellent soldier, administrator, and companion; he was at the same time so learned, that he was ordered to assist in the compilation of the Fatáwá i 'Alamgiri [the great code of Muhammadan laws]. He received a daily allowance of three rupees.'+ (Haásir i ’Alamgiri, pp. 92 to 91.) Hasan ’Alí Khán retained his office from 1080 to Sha'bán 1087 (October, 1676), when Sulțán Qulí Khán was appointed Faujdír of Mathurá.", [[Asiatic Society of Bengal]], ''Proceedings''<ref>{{cite book |author=Asiatic Society of Bengal |title=Proceedings|date=1873|publisher=Government Press, North-western Provinces and Oudh |page=14 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lX8bAQAAIAAJ&q=jawahir+ali+eunuch&pg=PA14}}</ref>

===Early Modern History===

[[File:*Bindrabun -Vrindavan-. Gate of Shet Lukhmeechund's Temple; a photo by Eugene Clutterbuck Impey, 1860's.jpg|thumb|upright|Gate of Shet Lukhmeechund's Temple, a photo by Eugene Clutterbuck Impey, 1860s]]
According the biographer of Raja [[Jai Singh II|Jai Singh]], Atmaram, when Jai Singh was campaigning against the Jat Raja [[Churaman|Churaman Singh]], he bathed at Radha ''kund'' on the full moon of Kartik, went to Mathura in the month of Shravan in 1724, and performed the marriage of his daughter on [[Krishna Janmashtami|''Janmashtami'']]. He then undertook a tour of the sacred forests of [[Braj]], and, on his return to Mathura, founded religious establishments and celebrated [[Holi]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Ashim Kumar Roy |date=2006 |title=History of the Jaipur City |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rgmyf513vPcC |publisher=Manohar Publishing |page=228 |isbn=978-8173046971}}</ref>

====Pilgrimage by the Family of Peshwa of Maratha Empire====

During the period of the expansion of [[Maratha Confederacy|Maratha Empire]], pilgrimage to the holy places in the north became quite frequent. [[Pilgrim]]s required protection on the way and took advantage of the constant movement of troops that journeyed to and back from their homeland for military purposes. That is how the practice arose of ladies accompanying military expeditions. The mother of [[Peshwa]] [[Balaji Baji Rao]], [[Kashibai|Kashitai]] performed her famous pilgrimage for four years in the north, visiting Mathura, [[Prayagraj|Prayag]], [[Ayodhya]], [[Varanasi|Banaras]], and other holy places.<ref>{{cite book |author=Govind Sakharam Sardesai |date=1946 |title=New History of the Marathas, Vol. 2 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.1545/page/n265/mode/2up |publisher=Phoenix Publication |page=243}}</ref>

==Religious heritage==
[[File:Mathura India (2).JPG|thumb|Entrance to the [[Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi]] temple complex]]
Mathura is a holy city in Hinduism and is considered the heart of [[Brij Bhoomi]], the land of Krishna.<ref>{{cite book|last=Prasad|first=Dev|title=Krishna: A Journey through the Lands & Legends of Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0_5caqiUH0C&pg=PT16|year=2015|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-170-7|page=16}}</ref><ref name="Lucia Michelutti00">{{cite web | url=http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/2106/1/U613338.pdf | title=Sons of Krishna: the politics of Yadav community formation in a North Indian town | publisher=London School of Economics and Political Science University of London | work=PhD Thesis Social Anthropology | date=2002 | access-date=14 September 2019 | author=Lucia Michelutti | pages=46}}</ref> The twin-city to Mathura is [[Vrindavan]].

There are many places of historic and religious importance in Mathura and its neighbouring towns.<ref name=holycity>{{cite news |title=Mathura: Mathura gets five more 'teerth sthals' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/mathura-gets-five-more-teerth-sthals/articleshow/63434923.cms |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=24 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

[[Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex]] is an important group of temples built around what is considered to be the birthplace of [[Krishna]].<ref name=Avatar>{{cite book|last=Krishna|first=Nanditha|title=The Book of Avatars and Divinities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BfV5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT99|year=2018|publisher=Penguin Random House India|isbn=9780143446880}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA140|title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names|last=Vemsani|first=Lavanya|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2016|isbn=978-1-61069-211-3|pages=140–141}}</ref> The temple complex contains Keshav Deva temple, Garbha Griha shrine, Bhagavata Bhavan and the Rangabhoomi where the final battle between Krishna and [[Kans|Kamsa]] took place.<ref name=Janm>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/devotees-throng-krishna-janmbhumi-in-ups-mathura-on-occasion-of-janmashtami/videoshow/70819935.cms|title=Devotees throng 'Krishna Janmbhumi' in UP's Mathura on occasion of 'Janmashtami'|first1=ANI &#124; 24|last1=Aug 2019|first2=07:07 Pm|last2=Ist|via=economictimes.indiatimes.com}}</ref><ref name=Prasad/><ref name=Britishlibrary/><ref name=Avatar/>

The [[Dwarkadheesh temple Mathura|Dwarkadheesh Temple]] is one of the largest temples in Mathura.<ref name=Prasad/> [[Vishram Ghat]] at the bank of river Yamuna is said to be the place were Krishna had rested after killing [[Kans|Kamsa]].<ref name=Prasad/>

Other notable Hindu religious sites and heritage locations includes the Gita Mandir,<ref name=Mathura1/> Govind Dev temple,<ref name=Mathura1/> [[ISKCON]] temple,<ref name=Prasad/> [[Kusum Sarovar]],<ref name=Mathura1>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Sonam |title=Mathura Temple – The Famous Temples of Mathura |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/religious-places/the-famous-temples-of-mathura/articleshow/68206149.cms |access-date=20 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=15 May 2017 |language=en}}</ref> [[Naam yog Sadhna Mandir]], Peepleshwar Mahadeo Temple<ref name="MathuraTT">{{Cite news|last1=Shah |first1=Arti|date= 18 May 2018|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/mathura/travel-guide/exploring-5-ancient-temples-of-mathura/gs47615333.cms|title=Exploring 5 ancient temples of Mathura|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=6 June 2023}}</ref><ref>Lal, Kanwar(1961). ''Holy Cities of India'', Delhi : Asia Press, p.285.</ref> and Yum Yamuna Temple<ref name="MathuraTT"/>

[[Kankali Tila]] brought forth many treasures of Jain art. The archaeological findings testify the existence of two Jain temples and stupas. Numerous Jain sculptures, [[Ayagapata]]s (tablet of homage),{{sfn|Das|1980|p=171}} pillars, crossbeams and lintels were found during archaeological excavations.{{sfn|Vyas|1995|p=16}} Some of the sculptures are provided with inscriptions that report on the contemporary society and organisation of the Jain community.

Most sculptures could be dated from the second century BC to the 12th century CE, thus representing a continuous period of about 14 centuries during which [[Jainism]] flourished at Mathura.{{sfn|Vyas|1995|p=16}} These sculptures are now housed in the Lucknow State Museum and in the Mathura Museum.

The [[Mathura Museum]] is notable for archaeological artefacts, especially those from the [[Kushan Empire|Kushan]] and [[Gupta Empire|Gupta]] empires. It has sculptures associated with Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.<ref name="Britishlibrary" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Adhikari |first1=Shona |title=Priceless artefacts hidden away from tourists' eyes |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020818/spectrum/travel.htm |access-date=13 September 2019 |work=Tribune |date=18 August 2002}}</ref>

==Festivals==
{{main|Krishna Janmashtami}}
Krishna Janmashtami is grandly celebrated every year in Mathura. Every year 3 to 3.5&nbsp;million devotees celebrate Janmashtami in Mathura, with the maximum number of devotees visiting the Keshav Deva temple and the Dwarkadheesh temple.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaiswal |first1=Anuja |title=Over 30 lakh devotees assemble in Mathura to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/over-30-lakh-devotees-assemble-in-mathura-to-celebrate-krishna-janmashtami/articleshow/65660430.cms |access-date=14 September 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=3 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=One million devotees celebrate Janmashtami in Mathura |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/353811/one-million-devotees-celebrate-janmashtami.html |access-date=12 September 2019 |work=Deccan Herald |date=28 August 2013 |language=en}}</ref> Devotees generally observe a fast and break it at midnight when Krishna was believed to have been born. Devotional songs, dance performances, [[bhog]] and [[aarti]]s are observed across Mathura-Vrindavan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Janmashtami 2019: 23rd or 24th Aug- when Mathura is celebrating Lord krishna's birth? |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-janmashtami-2019-23rd-or-24th-aug-when-mathura-is-celebrating-lord-krishna-s-birth-2783926 |access-date=14 September 2019 |work=DNA India |date=22 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

==Culinary tradition==

Mathura along with the twin city of [[Vrindavan]], (both of which are associated with Shri Krishna) are main centers of [[Braj Cuisine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Braj Cuisine Echoes The Legends Of Lord Krishna, Radha And Holi |url=https://www.slurrp.com/article/holi-2023-braj-cuisine-echoes-the-legends-of-lord-krishna-radha-and-holi-1677850126840 |access-date=2024-08-17 |website=Slurrp |language=en |quote=Even now, Krishna is an integrated part of the Braj community and diet, influencing the culture in indelible ways. The essential elements of Braj cuisine are based on a few beliefs and traditions}}</ref> Mathura is known for its [[Mathura peda|Mathura Peda]],<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kumar |first1=Tyagi, Pankaj |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bmgUEQAAQBAJ&pg=PA326 |title=Examining Tourist Behaviors and Community Involvement in Destination Rejuvenation |last2=Vipin |first2=Nadda |last3=Kannapat |first3=Kankaew |last4=Kaitano |first4=Dube |date=2024-06-03 |publisher=IGI Global |isbn=979-8-3693-6821-3 |language=en |quote=Peda, a sweet confection of condensed milk, sugar, and cardamom, embodies the essence of Braj's culinary heritage...}}</ref> Mathura Lassi, Mathura Heeng [[Kachori]], Mathura [[Chaat]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Ajai |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GKvYEAAAQBAJ&dq=Mathura+chaat&pg=PA99 |title=Saffron Saffairs: Unearthing the Majestic Flavours of India's Royal Kitchens |date=2023-09-20 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=979-8-89066-854-7 |language=en |quote=Mathura's streets are a treasure trove of flavours and aromas. The city is known for its savoury and tangy Chaat.}}</ref> Moong Dal Cheela, Bedmi [[Puri (food)|puri]] and Dubki Aloo Jhol.

==Geography==
Mathura is located at {{Coord|27.28|N|77.41|E|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Mathura.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Mathura, India|access-date=3 June 2016}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 174&nbsp;metres (570&nbsp;[[foot (length)|feet]]).

=== Climate ===
Mathura has a [[hot semi-arid climate]] (''BSh'') under the [[Köppen climate classification]].
{{Weather box
|location = Mathura (1981–2010, extremes 1974–1995)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|width = auto
| Jan record high C = 29.6
| Feb record high C = 34.1
| Mar record high C = 40.1
| Apr record high C = 45.1
| May record high C = 47.1
| Jun record high C = 47.6
| Jul record high C = 44.6
| Aug record high C = 42.7
| Sep record high C = 40.6
| Oct record high C = 42.1
| Nov record high C = 35.1
| Dec record high C = 30.1
|year record high C = 47.6
| Jan high C = 21.3
| Feb high C = 24.4
| Mar high C = 30.4
| Apr high C = 36.6
| May high C = 41.2
| Jun high C = 41.2
| Jul high C = 36.1
| Aug high C = 34.6
| Sep high C = 34.2
| Oct high C = 33.3
| Nov high C = 29.1
| Dec high C = 23.3
|year high C = 32.1
| Jan low C = 6.4
| Feb low C = 8.3
| Mar low C = 13.2
| Apr low C = 17.9
| May low C = 23.9
| Jun low C = 25.9
| Jul low C = 25.5
| Aug low C = 25.0
| Sep low C = 23.5
| Oct low C = 18.3
| Nov low C = 11.6
| Dec low C = 7.7
|year low C = 17.3
| Jan record low C = 1.0
| Feb record low C = 0.5
| Mar record low C = 5.0
| Apr record low C = 7.0
| May record low C = 8.5
| Jun record low C = 17.0
| Jul record low C = 11.5
| Aug record low C = 17.5
| Sep record low C = 17.6
| Oct record low C = 11.5
| Nov record low C = 4.0
| Dec record low C = 2.0
|year record low C = 0.5
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 10.4
| Feb rain mm = 13.6
| Mar rain mm = 6.8
| Apr rain mm = 10.1
| May rain mm = 17.8
| Jun rain mm = 35.5
| Jul rain mm = 164.7
| Aug rain mm = 205.2
| Sep rain mm = 105.0
| Oct rain mm = 18.0
| Nov rain mm = 3.9
| Dec rain mm = 9.0
|year rain mm = 600.1
| Jan rain days = 0.9
| Feb rain days = 1.3
| Mar rain days = 1.0
| Apr rain days = 0.9
| May rain days = 1.5
| Jun rain days = 3.0
| Jul rain days = 9.0
| Aug rain days = 9.1
| Sep rain days = 4.9
| Oct rain days = 0.9
| Nov rain days = 0.3
| Dec rain days = 1.1
|year rain days = 33.9
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 65
| Feb humidity = 59
| Mar humidity = 53
| Apr humidity = 48
| May humidity = 39
| Jun humidity = 43
| Jul humidity = 67
| Aug humidity = 72
| Sep humidity = 71
| Oct humidity = 63
| Nov humidity = 56
| Dec humidity = 60
|year humidity = 58
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Mathura Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 481–482
| access-date = 22 September 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M220
| access-date = 22 September 2020}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{bar box
| title    = Religions in Mathura City (2011)
| titlebar = #Fcd116
| left1    = Religion
| right1   = Percent
| float    = right
| bars     = 
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|DarkOrange|81.54}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|Green|17.22}}
{{bar percent|Others†|black|1.24}}
}}

The [[2011 census of India]] estimates the population of Mathura to be 441,894, with a decadal growth rate of 22.53 per cent. Males account for 54% (268,445) and females for 46% (173,449) of this population. Sex ratio of Mathura is 858 females per 1000 males, which has increased from 840 (2001). However, national sex ratio is 940. Population density in 2011 has increased from 621 per km<sup>2</sup> in 2001 to 761 per km<sup>2</sup>. Mathura has an average literacy rate of 72.65 per cent which has increased from 61.46 per cent (2001) but still lower than the national average of 74.04 per cent. Male and female literacy rate are 84.39 and 58.93 per cent respectively. 15.61 per cent of Mathura's population is under 6 years of age. This figure was 19.56 per cent in 2001 census.<ref name=census2011 />

===Languages===
According to the 2011 census on Mathura NPP, 95.4% of the people identified as [[Hindi]] speakers, 2.6% as [[Urdu]] speakers and 1.4% as speakers of [[Braj Bhasha]]<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Town level |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-0900.XLSX |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref> (the local dialect).<ref name="LuciaMichelutti1"/> The city also lies within the cultural region of [[Braj]].<ref name="LuciaMichelutti1"/>

==Government and politics==
Actress turned political leader, [[Hema Malini]] is the sitting MP of the Mathura constituency in Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite news|title=UP Lok Sabha Election {{!}} Poll harvest season: Hema Malini starts campaigning from wheat farms in Mathura with sickle in hand|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/uttar-pradesh/poll-harvest-season-hema-malini-starts-campaigning-from-wheat-farms-in-mathura-with-sickle-in-hand/articleshow/68665812.cms|access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref>

==Transportation==
===Rail===
[[File:MTJ - Mathura Junction Railway Station.jpg|thumb|[[Mathura Junction railway station]] lies on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route.]]
[[Mathura Junction railway station]] is situated on the major Delhi-Mumbai rail route. Both Central Railway and Western Railway routes pass through Mathura. Trains from NCR (north-central railway) to ER (eastern railway) also pass through the Mathura junction. [[Mathura Cantt railway station]] is a major route for eastern and central railway.

Important trains that originate/terminate at Mathura are:
* [[Chambal Express|12177/Howrah – Mathura Chambal Express]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-howrah-mathura-chambal-express-12177/259/1/249|title=12177/Howrah – Mathura Chambal Express – Howrah to Mathura NCR/North Central Zone – Railway Enquiry|first=F.|last=Ahmad|website=indiarailinfo.com}}</ref>

===Road===
Mathura is well-connected by road to the rest of India. [[National highways of India|National Highway]] NH-19(previously [[National Highway 2 (India)|NH-2]]) from Delhi to Kolkata, with diversion for Chennai also passes through Mathura. [[Yamuna Expressway]] from Greater-Noida to Agra (165&nbsp;km 6 lane access controlled express highway) also passes through, providing good connectivity to Noida, Agra, Kanpur and Lucknow.

===Tram===
A [[tram]] network has been proposed in the city, which would make Mathura the second only city in India (besides [[Kolkata]]) to have a functional tram transport. In 2017, the local MLA [[Shrikant Sharma]] announced that the trams will be operational in Mathura and [[Vrindavan]] by 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mathura to get tram network by 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/mathura-to-get-tram-network-by-2018/articleshow/59060417.cms |access-date=20 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=9 June 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

===Air===
Currently the city has no airport. The nearest airports are the [[Agra Airport]] (about 60&nbsp;km away) and the [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi Airport]] (about 160&nbsp;km away) with major national and international air routes. The under-construction [[Jewar Airport]] in [[Greater Noida]] is approximately 75&nbsp;km from Mathura and is expected to be country's largest airport when fully operational. Land has been earmarked, and construction is in progress near the [[Yamuna Expressway]], with plans to open in the next five years with regular flights to major national and international air routes in future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/251278/international-airport-now-mathura.html|title=International airport now at Mathura|date=22 May 2012|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=3 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/international-airport-in-agra-akhilesh-yadav-mathura-up-government-tourism-sp-124872-2012-12-20|title=Akhilesh's plan of an international airport in Agra may not take off|date=20 December 2012|first=Piyush |last=Srivsatava|work=India Today|access-date=30 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Centre-invites-proposal-from-UP-for-airport-near-Mathura/articleshow/14040763.cms|title=Centre invites proposal from UP for airport near Mathura – Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=12 June 2012 |access-date=3 June 2016}}</ref>

In 2012, the then civil aviation minister [[Ajit Singh (politician, born 1939)|Ajit Singh]] suggested Mathura's name for the site of a new greenfield international airport to the then chief minister of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Akhilesh Yadav]]. Mathura's name came to note when a group of ministers terminated the plan of building [[Taj International Airport]] at Agra.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ajit Singh asks Akhilesh Yadav to send proposal for airport at Mathura |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/ajit-singh-asks-akhilesh-yadav-to-send-proposal-for-airport-at-mathura/articleshow/14024690.cms |access-date=16 March 2021 |work=The Economic Times |date=11 June 2012}}</ref>

==Strategic importance==
<!-- [[File:StrikeICorps.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Strike I Corps Badge.]] -->
[[I Corps (India)|I Corps]] (Strike Formation)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Organisation.html|title=ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE|access-date=3 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219192113/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Organisation.html|archive-date=19 February 2009}}</ref> within the [[Indian Army]]'s [[Central Command (India)|Central Command]] is based in Mathura, hosting Strike I Corps headquarters in a large classified area in the outskirts of the city known as Mathura Cantonment (Central Command is headquartered in [[Lucknow]]). It hosts Strike Infantry units, air defence units, armoured divisions, engineer brigades, artillery Units, and classified units of [[Strategic Forces Command]]. The I Corps is primarily responsible for the western borders of India. In 2007 during Exercise Ashwamedha, all the armoured, artillery, and infantry divisions performed a simulation of an overall NBC (nuclear-chemical-biological) environment. The aim was to show operational ability in high intensity, short duration and 'sudden' battle<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports/3115 |title=www.india-defence.com/reports/3115 |access-date=3 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205100849/http://www.india-defence.com/reports/3115 |archive-date=5 February 2012 }}</ref>

==Industries==
[[Mathura Refinery]] located in the city is one of the biggest oil refineries of Asia with a refining capacity of 8.0&nbsp;million [[tonne]]s per year.<ref name="Iocl.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.iocl.com/AboutUs/MathuraRefinery.aspx |title=IndianOil Corporation &#124; Mathura Refinery |publisher=Iocl.com |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-date=27 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627214702/http://www.iocl.com/AboutUs/MathuraRefinery.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> This oil refinery of [[Indian Oil Corporation]] Ltd. is a technologically advanced oil refinery and provides local employment opportunities as well. Its main focus is to meet the demands from the [[National Capital Region (India)|NCR]].<ref name="Iocl.com"/> The refinery had undertaken projects to upgrade its diesel and gasoline units to bring Sulphur levels down by nearly 80 per cent<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mathura refinery: Latest News & Videos, Photos about Mathura refinery {{!}} The Economic Times - Page 1|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/Mathura-refinery|access-date=1 June 2021|website=The Economic Times}}</ref>

==Media and communications==
The city has a local station of the [[All India Radio]].

==Educational institutions==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add an institute to this list if it already has its own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦---> 
* [[Krishna Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Mathura|Krishna Mohan Medical College and Hospital]]
* [[GLA University]]
* [[Rashtriya Inter College Surir]]
* [[Sachdeva Institute of Technology]]
* [[Sanskriti University]]
* [[U.P. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University and Cattle Research Institute]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upvetuniv.edu.in/history.aspx |title=Mathura University |publisher=Upvetuniv.edu.in |date=25 October 2001 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211151908/http://www.upvetuniv.edu.in/history.aspx |archive-date=11 December 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Mathur (disambiguation)]]
* [[Brij Bhoomi]]
* [[Gokul]]
* [[Kankali Tila]]
* [[Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh|Nandgaon]]
* [[Goverdhan]]
* [[Saunkh|Sonkh]]

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name=ImpGazetteer>{{cite web|title=Imperial Gazetteer of India. v. 18.|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/toc.html?volume=18|work=Digital South Asia Library|pages=63–74|year=1908}}</ref>
<ref name=BotAI>{{cite book|title=Bulletin of the Asia Institute|publisher=Wayne State University Press|page=70|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RuhtAAAAMAAJ|year=2002}}</ref>
<ref name=census2011>{{cite web|title=Provisional Population Totals Paper 1 of 2011 : Uttar Pradesh|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_UP.html|work=2011 Census of India|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=10 February 2013}}</ref>
}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |author=Ashvini Agrawal |title=Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hRjC5IaJ2zcC&pg=PA315 |year=1989 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0592-7 }}
* Mathura-The Cultural Heritage. Edited by Doris Meth Srinivasan, published in 1989 by AIIS/Manohar.
* Konow, Sten. Editor. 1929. ''Kharoshthī Inscriptions with Exception of those of Ashoka''. Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Vol. II, Part I. Reprint: Indological Book House, Varanasi, 1969.
* Mukherjee, B. N. 1981. ''Mathurā and its Society: The Śaka-Pahlava Phase''. Firma K. L. M. Private Limited, Calcutta.
* Sharma, R. C. 1976. ''Mathura Museum and Art''. 2nd revised and enlarged edition. Government Museum, Mathura.
* Growse, F. S. 1882. " Mathura A District Memoir.
* Drake-Brockman, D. L. 1911. "Muttra A Gaztteer".
* [https://archive.org/details/cu31924012251140 ''The Jain stûpa and other antiquities of Mathura''], by Smith, Vincent Arthur, 1848–1920. (1901)
* [http://indiafacts.org/1018-mahmud-ghaznis-invasion-of-mathura/ 1018: Mahmud Ghazni’s invasion of Mathura]
*{{citation|title=Early Inscriptions of Mathurā|last1=Das|first1=Kalyani|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UuwLAAAAIAAJ|year=1980}}
* {{citation |editor-last=Vyas |editor-first=Dr. R. T. |author-link=R.T. Vyas |url={{Google books|fETebHcHKogC|plainurl=yes}} |title=Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects |publisher=The Director, Oriental Institute, on behalf of the Registrar, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara |year=1995 |isbn=81-7017-316-7 }}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Mathura}}
* [http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_names/ma/madhuraa.htm Entry on Mathura in the Dictionary on Pali Proper Names]

{{Krishna}}
{{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Mathura district}}
{{Famous Vishnu temples}}
{{Uttar Pradesh}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mathura| ]]
[[Category:Hindu holy cities]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Mathura district]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Cities in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Places in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]
[[Category:Indo-Aryan archaeological sites]]
[[Category:Krishna]]