During the period of 16 Mahajanapadas, Mathura was the capital of ____...
Mathura as the capital of Surasena during the period of 16 Mahajanapadas
During the ancient period in India, the region was divided into several Mahajanapadas, which were large and powerful kingdoms or republics. Mathura, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, was the capital of the Surasena Mahajanapada. Let's delve into the details of this.
1. Mahajanapadas and their significance
- Mahajanapadas were the sixteen most important and powerful political and territorial units of the ancient Indian subcontinent.
- These territories emerged around 600 BCE and lasted until the rise of the Mauryan Empire in the 4th century BCE.
- Mahajanapadas played a crucial role in shaping the political, social, and cultural landscape of ancient India.
2. Surasena Mahajanapada
- Surasena was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas in ancient India.
- It was located in the region of present-day Western Uttar Pradesh, with Mathura as its capital.
- The Surasena Mahajanapada was situated near the Yamuna River and was known for its fertile lands.
- The people of Surasena were primarily engaged in agriculture.
3. Mathura as the capital of Surasena
- Mathura, the capital of Surasena, was strategically located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
- The city served as a major center for trade and commerce.
- Mathura was a prosperous city and had a well-developed urban structure during that period.
- It was known for its religious and cultural significance, with numerous temples and religious institutions.
4. Importance of Mathura during the period
- Mathura was a prominent center of the Bhagavata sect of Hinduism.
- It was associated with the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, who was believed to be born in Mathura.
- The city witnessed the development of various schools of philosophy, including the Vaisheshika and Nyaya schools.
- Mathura's cultural and religious influence extended beyond its borders, attracting pilgrims and scholars from different parts of India.
In conclusion, Mathura served as the capital of the Surasena Mahajanapada during the period of 16 Mahajanapadas in ancient India. The city's strategic location, prosperous trade, and religious significance contributed to its prominence during that time.
During the period of 16 Mahajanapadas, Mathura was the capital of ____...
- The Mahajanapads were the 16 kingdoms that existed between the 6th-4th century BCE in Northern ancient India.
- SURASENA
- The Surasena Mahajanapada corresponds roughly to today's Brij region of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- It had Madhura or Mathura as its capital.
- Avantiputra was the king of Surasena and was a chief disciple of Buddha. He played a significant role in spreading Buddhism.
- The allied tribes of Yadavas like the Andhakas, the Vrishnis, etc. formed a 'sangha' and Lord Krishna was described as the 'sangha-mukhya'.
- Megasthenes also described Mathura as the center of Krishna worship.
- The kingdom was later annexed into the Magadha empire.
Additional Information
- Vajji:
- The kingdom included the Mithila region of Northern Bihar and Vaishali was the capital.
- It was one of the principal Mahajanapadas of ancient India and was included both in the Buddhist text 'Anguttara Nikaya' and Jaina text 'Bhagvati Sutra'.
- The kingdom derives its name from one of its ruling clan called 'Vrjis'.
- Vatsa:
- The Vatsa or Vamsa kingdom corresponds to today's Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.
- The kingdom had Kausambi as its capital.
- Udayana was a powerful ruler of the kingdom who later became the follower of Buddha and his mother Queen Mrigavati was one of the earliest known female rulers of India.
- Kashi:
- The kingdom was the most powerful before Buddha and Varanasi was its capital.
- King Brihadratha conquered Kosala but later the Kosala king Kansa incorporated Kashi into his kingdom during the Buddha's time.
- The other Mahajanapadas were - Anga, Assaka, Avanti, Chedi, Gandhara, Kamboja, Kosala, Kuru, Magadha, Malla, Matsya, and Panchala.