Question

What kind of information do we get from several inscriptions found in Mathura?

Answer 1

Hint: Historically speaking Mathura was an important centre for trade and travel as well as for religious purposes. Now the city is located in Uttar Pradesh. According to the epic saga of Mahabharata, Mathura was ruled by Kansa, the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna.

Complete answer: According to the Archaeological Survey of India, Mathuran art and culture gained its momentum under the Kushan dynasty, who played an important role in expanding Buddhism in Central Asia and Indian subcontinent. From the second century BC, the style of Buddhist visual art flourished in Mathura; many sculptors represented the images of Buddha in the mottled red sand-stones. Many sacrificial pillars with various inscriptions were discovered in Mathura, in river Yamuna. These inscriptions can be dated to about 102 A.D. These findings of the inscriptions give details on this era of Mathura. Another image of a Jaina Tirthankara was found which was dedicated by Kumara Gupta I at Mathura in 432 AD which was in Brahmi script. Then the Lakulisa Mathura Pillar inscription is related to Shaivism tradition of Hinduism which is a Sanskrit inscription discovered in Mathura. Basically these inscriptions on murtis i.e. statues or pillars and mandirs i.e. temples were the gifts made by kings, queens, commoners or craftspeople to monasteries and shrines.

Note: The name of the city Mathura has been changed many times, it was also known as Madhupura and Madhuvan as it was thickly wooded. The city has been sacked, claimed and acquired by many rulers.