Mathura district
Mathura district | |
---|---|
Clockwise from top:
Mansi Ganga in Hindi | |
• Local | Braj Bhasha |
Time zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
Website | mathura |
Mathura district situated along the banks of the river
The District is part of Agra division. Total area of Mathura district is 3340 sq. km.[3] There are 5 tehsils in Mathura district.
- Mathura
- Govardhan
- Chhata
- Mant
- Mahavan. state.
History
Mathura has an ancient history. The district lies in the centre of the cultural region of
In the 6th century BCE Mathura became the capital of the
Mathuran art and culture reached its zenith under the Kushan dynasty which had Mathura as one of their capitals, the other being Purushapura (Peshawar). The dynasty had kings with the names of Kujula Kadphises, Kanishka, Huvishka and Vasudeva I. [citation needed]
Megasthenes, writing in the early 3rd century BC, mentions Mathura as a great city under the name Μέθορα (Méthora).[5]
The
The district was then ruled by the
The findings of ancient stone inscriptions in Maghera, a town 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Mathura, provide historical artifacts giving more details on this era of Mathura. The opening of the 3 line text of these inscriptions are in Brahmi script and were translated as: "In the 116th year of the Greek kings..."[6][7]
The Indo-Scythian satraps of Mathura are sometimes called the "Northern Satraps", as opposed to the "Western Satraps" ruling in Gujarat and Malwa. After Rajuvula, several successors are known to have ruled as vassals to the Kushans, such as the "Great Satrap" Kharapallana and the "Satrap" Vanaspara, who are known from an inscription discovered in Sarnath, and dated to the 3rd year of Kanishka (c 130 AD), in which they were paying allegiance to the Kushans.[8]
Mathura served as one of the Kushan Empire's two capitals from the first to the third centuries. [citation needed]
The city was sacked and many of its temples destroyed by
Sikander Lodhi earned the epithet of 'But Shikan', the 'Destroyer of Hindu deities'. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, built the city's Jami Masjid.[citation needed] The noteworthy fact is that the exact place of birth of Krishna, according to historians, is in the place of worship of the Hindus, though the mosque was built near the birthplace of Krishna. The bigger Krishna shrine, better known as Dwarkadheesh temple is a few metres away from birthplace of Krishna. It was built in 1815 by Seth Gokuldas Parikh, Treasurer of Gwalior.[citation needed]
Demographics
Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
---|---|---|
1901 | 651,619 | — |
1911 | 560,620 | −1.49% |
1921 | 528,677 | −0.58% |
1931 | 570,211 | +0.76% |
1941 | 688,801 | +1.91% |
1951 | 774,567 | +1.18% |
1961 | 911,685 | +1.64% |
1971 | 1,099,356 | +1.89% |
1981 | 1,330,963 | +1.93% |
1991 | 1,650,653 | +2.18% |
2001 | 2,074,516 | +2.31% |
2011 | 2,547,184 | +2.07% |
source:[13] |
According to the
The district has about 1,600,000 voters, including 2,00,000
Mathura receives a large number of daily visitors besides pilgrims who stay for an average of 3 days. Mathura's urban area's floating population on normal days is between 100,000 and 125,000 per day, whereas on festive and auspicious days it is over twice the population of urban area.The majority of people in Mathura are Hindus. Muslims are equally divided between rural and urban areas while the Hindu population is mainly rural.[17]
Language
At the time of the
Geography and climate
Mathura is located at 27°17′N 77°25′E / 27.28°N 77.41°E.
Administration
Region of Mathura was added to British territory in 1803 A.D. Till 1832 A.D, when Mathura was recognised as district, the region was partly administered from Agra and partly from Sadabad.[20]
Strategic importance
Mathura is the home for
Politics
Mathura is governed by a number of bodies, the most important being the Mathura Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation), which is responsible for the master planning of the city. Now the responsibilities of planning of the city as well as urban areas ( including nagar nigam ) handed over to MATHURA-VRINDAVAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (in brief- "M V D A"). The Authority established in 1977.
Mathura Lok Sabha constituency elects MP from this district. In 2019 Hema Malini (BJP) won the election.
Healthcare
Health care facilities in Mathura are provided by Central, State and Local government facilities, besides numerous private providers. As per the recent District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3) 2007 – 2008, only 33% of currently married women are using a modern method of contraception, which is lower than the state average of 34.8%. Usage of any modern method, though, is higher in Mathura (29.4%) in comparison to the state's average of 26.7%. The percentage of IUD, Pill and Condom usage is again below the state average. The DLHS 3 estimates unmet Family Planning need in Mathura at 38.9%: 9.8% unmet need for spacing methods and 29.1% unmet need for limiting methods. The percentage of birth of order 3 and above is quite high at 46.9%. Mathura has lesser percentage of girls marrying before 18 years of age, which is 31.6% in comparison with the state average of 33.1%. But the most alarming statistic is that of mothers who had at least 3 antenatal care visits during the last pregnancy, which is only 21% as compared to the state average of 64.4%.
Public infrastructure
Economy and industry
One of the major contributors in the economy of Uttar Pradesh are Mathura Industries.[citation needed] Mathura Refinery located in the city is one of the biggest oil refineries of Asia.[citation needed] This oil refinery of the Indian Oil Corporation is a highly technologically advanced oil refinery.[citation needed] Mathura Refinery is the first in Asia and third in the world to receive the coveted ISO-14001 certification for Environment Management System in 1996.[24]
Textile printing industry that includes both sari-printing and fabric dyeing and silver ornaments manufacturing are major industrial contributors to the region.[25] Majority of these silver ornaments include silver jewellery and statues for gods and goddesses including Krishna. Apart from these other industries are water tap manufacturing units and other decorative and household items.[citation needed] Mathura also is a big centre for production of cotton materials;prominent among them being pure white bleached cotton sarees for women and dhotis for men, and cotton niwar tapes for beds. It is also a hub for production of milk based sweet meats, prominent among them being mathura Pedas and burfis. Renowned as the place where rivers of milk flowed, Mathura till today boasts of Milk trading centres where you can buy any amount of fresh milk where rates vary every few minutes and are notified on a black board akin to stock prices.
Education
GLA University Accredited by NAAC with "A" Grade, R.K. Group of Institutions (including Rajiv Academy For Technology Management, Rajiv Academy For Teacher's Education, Rajiv Academy For Pharmacy, K.D. Dental College Hospital, Rajiv International School, etc.), BSA College of engineering and technology, Excel Institute of Management Technology has been accorded as status of university). 40 engineering management colleges had been established in Mathura up to 12-12-2009.[citation needed]
Mathura is home to the Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary University, the first of its kind in the state and the fourth in the country to be made independent veterinary universities.[26] The University is located on the Mathura-Agra road, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from M. Famous Government engineering college, Bharatpur is located at 35 km from Mathura.
Many schools like Parmeshwari Devi Dhanuka, Hanuman Prashad Dhanuka, Kanha Makhan Public School, Kanha Makhan Millenium School, Amarnath Vidya Ashram, Sacred Heart, St. Dominics, Ramanlal Shorawala, SRBS International School,Braj shiksha sadan school and Rajiv International School are also located here.
Culture and religion
Art
Mathura School of Art, style of Buddhist visual art that flourished in the Mathura, from the 2nd century bc to the 12th century A.D; its most distinctive contributions were made during the Kushan and Gupta periods (1st–6th century A.d). Images in the mottled red sandstone from the nearby Sīkri quarries are found widely distributed over north central India, attesting to Mathurā's importance as an exporter of sculpture. The Mathura School images are related to the earlier yakṣa (male nature deity) figures, a resemblance particularly evident in the colossal standing Buddha images of the early Kushān period. In these, and in the more representative seated Buddhas, the overall effect is one of enormous energy. The shoulders are broad, the chest swells, and the legs are firmly planted with feet spaced apart.[27]
These days, around 1,000 craftsmen are involved in making wall hangings at Holi gate and Chowk Bazaar in the pilgrim town of Mathura. These wall hangings delve on religious themes and mostly revolve around Radha and Krishna seated on a swing, Krishna playing flute along with Radha and Gopis, Krishna with herds of cattle, Goddess Saraswati, Vaishno Devi and Vishnu. Wall hangings have the gods and goddesses in highly embellished form, marking the highpoints of the Mathura School of Paintings. Once the brush work is over, the figures are adorned with colourful stars and mica pieces to make them attractive. One of the most brilliant art works of Mathura School of Paintings is Goddess Lakshmi in the midst of lotus flowers.[28]
Religion
Mathura is one of the seven most holy places for Hindus in India.
Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I
Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II
- Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI .14
A
Tourism
Temples
Gita Mandir is situated at a distance of nearly five kilometers from Mathura Junction (in way of Vrindaban from Matura city) is an attraction of Mathura. The mandir was built by Birla, one of the leading industrial powers of India. The architecture of the temple attracts tourists from all over India. The whole of Gita, the sacred book of the Hindus, is inscribed on the temple. Carvings and paintings also enhance the temple. There is an image of Krishna is present in the sanctum of the Mandir.
Rangaji Temple, built in 1851 is dedicated to Ranganatha or Rangaji depicted as Vishnu in his sheshashayi pose, resting on the coils of the sacred Shesha-nag. The temple built in the Dravidian style has a tall gopuram (gateway) of six storeys and a gold - plated Dhwaja stambha, 50 feet high. A water tank and a picturesque garden lie within the temple enclosure. The annual festival of Jal Vihar of the presiding deity is performed with great pomp and splendour at the tank. The temple is also known for its `Brahmotsdav' celebration during the month of
Jugal Kishor Temple was built in the 17th century after Emperor Akbar's visit to Vridaban in the year 1570, he ordered four temples to be built by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, which were Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. The temple is located near Kesi Ghat in Vrindaban and also called as Kesi temple.
Jaipur Temple which was built by Sawai Madhav Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1917, is a richly embellished and opulent temple located in Vrindaban. The fine hand - carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple is dedicated to Radha Madhav.[30]
Shahji Temple, another temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted for its architecture and marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.[30]
Sri Vrindavan-Chandra Mandir (HKM Vrindavan), located in Vrindavan, is a replica of that supreme Goloka Vrindavana in the spiritual sky. It was inaugurated in 2006 on the most auspicious day of Sri Rama Navami day. The temple is housed in an ultra-modern geodesic structure with a traditional gopuram based on khajuraho style of architecture, greeting pilgrims at the entrance. The major festivals of the temple are Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Sri Radhashtami, Kartik Fest (7-day festival during Govardhan Puja time) and Gaura Purnima. Grand abhishekas are performed for Sri Sri Radha Vrindavan-chandra during festivals such as Radhashtami and Janmashtami.
Shree Radha Ras Bihari Ashta Sakhi Temple: In Vrindavan, the "Lila Sthan" (the place of the divine passion play) of Krishna, lies the temple that is a must visit destination for devotees completing the 84 kosh Vraj Parikrama Yatra. The temple is centuries old and is the first Indian temple that is dedicated to the divine couple and their Ashta Sakhi's - the eight "companions" of Radha who were intimately involved in her love play with the Krishna. The Ashta Sakhis are mentioned in the ancient texts of
Govind Deo Temple was once a seven storeyed structure built in the form of a Greek cross. It is said that the Emperor Akbar donated some of the red sandstone that had been brought for the Red Fort at Agra, for the construction of this temple. Built at the astronomical cost of one crore rupees in 1590 by his general Man Singh, the temple combines western, Hindu and Muslim architectural elements in its structure.
Shri Jambuswami
Other important temple sites include - Radha Madanmohan Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Radharani Temple, Nidhivan, Radha Krishna Vivah sthali, Bhandirvan.
Ghat
Some notable places in Mathura District:
- Mathura - the town
- Gokul
- Mahawan
- Baldev
- Raya
- Vrindaban
- Goverdhan
- Barsana
- Nandgaon
- Kosi Kalan
- Farah
- Mant
- Nauhajhil
- Bajna
- Surir
- Bhidauni
- Akos
Religious festivals
Krishna Janmashtami
Radhashtami
Radhashtami is the appearance day of Radharani. This festival falls on the eighth day, of the bright fort-night in the month of Bhadra (August-September), exactly 15 days after the appearance of Krishna. This festival is very joyously celebrated in whole Mathura region with its centre at Barsana. There is all night kirtana held the night before Radhashtami at the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana, ending with an ecstatic mangala arati. Many people especially visit Barsana on this day.
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a Hindu festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. This festival takes place in the month of Asadha (June–July). It is customary to worship the spiritual master on this day. Millions of people visit Mathura on Guru Purnima because of the presence of thousands of spiritual Gurus in Mathura. On this day many devotees gather at Manasi Ganga and do Govardhana parikrama.[citation needed]
Braj Parikrama
Braj Parikrama is a pilgrimage of all the places in Braj that associated with Krishna, is undertaken. Traditionally, the Chaurasi kos (84 kos) pilgrimage of Braj Mandal, with its 12 vanas (forests), 24 upvanas (groves), sacred hill Govardhan, divine River Yamuna and numerous holy places along its banks, is undertaken annually by lakhs of devotees from all over the country. The Yatra extends to Kotban to the north of Mathura, to Nandgaon, Barsana and the Govardhan Hill to the west and South-west of the city and to the banks of the Yamuna to the east, where the Baldeo Temple is located. Colourful melas and performances of the rasalila (a depiction of the exploits of Krishna) in Braj Parikrama are distinctive to rainy month of Bhadon, the month when the Krishna was born, is a time of colourful celebrations.[citation needed]
Vasant Panchmi
Vasant Panchami, a festival that marks the commencement of spring season, is widely celebrated in Mathura. The festival marks the beginning of celebrations of Holi in Mathura. Special religious programs are organised in other temples of across the district, like in Bankey Bihari Temple of Vrindavan pilgrims celebrate the occasion by tossing rose powder.[34]
Lathmar Holi
Jal Jhulan
This is the swing festival at the Ranganatha temple. At night the temple tank is lit up. This festival is on the 11th day of the month of Bhadra (Aug-Sept).[citation needed]
Jhulan Yatra Mahotsava
This festival lasts for 13 days. It starts on the Tritya (third day) of the bright fortnight of Sravana (July-Aug) and lasts until the full moon night of the month. During this festival the Radha-Krishna Deities in the temples are swung on a swing. This is one of the biggest festivals of the year and Vrindavana is very crowded at this time. Often the swings are gold and silver. Some of the main temples that this festival is celebrated at are the
Transport
Mathura is on the main lines of the Central Railways and is connected with all the important cities of Uttar Pradesh and India such as Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai. The Nearest airport is Kheria (Agra), 62 km away from Mathura.[36] Mathura is also well connected by motorable roads to important cities in the region.
Villages
- Tarauli
See also
- Vrindaban Road railway station
- Vrindavan railway station
- Ajhai Railway Station
- Bhuteshwar Railway Station
References
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- ^ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 176.
- ^ "District Mathura, Government of Uttar Pradesh | Birth Place of Lord Sri Krishna | India". Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Tehsil | District Mathura, Government of Uttar Pradesh | India". Retrieved 16 March 2021.
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- ^ A Catalogue of the Indian Coins in the British Museum. Andhras etc.... Rapson, p. ciii.
- ^ a b Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 19 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 101–102.
- ^ Yule, Henry; Douglas, Robert Kennaway (1911). Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 13 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 844. . In
- Al-Badāoni (16th-century historian), Packard Humanities Institute.
- ^ Lodi Kings: Chart The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1909, v. 2, p. 369..
- ^ Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901
- ^ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Archived from the original on 13 June 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
Kuwait 2,595,62
- ^ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
Nevada 2,700,551
- ^ "Nitin Gadkari to hold rally in Rajput dominated Mathura district". The Times of India. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Table C-01 Population by Religion: Uttar Pradesh". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
- ^ a b "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Uttar Pradesh". www.censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc. - Mathura
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- ^ "IndianOil Corporation | Mathura Refinery". Iocl.com. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
- ^ "Mathura Industries". Mapsofindia.com. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
- ^ "Mathura University ::-:: Website Loading". Upvetuniv.edu.in. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
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- ^ "Vignettes of Mathura's divine art form". Deccan Herald.
- ^ The Hindu temple, Volume 1 By Stella Kramrisch, Raymond Burnier p.3
- ^ a b "An eternal glory of lord, Mathura-Vrindaban".
- ^ ISKCON to build world's tallest temple at Mathura from today
- ^ "Famous Krishna Temples in India". 20 August 2013.
- ^ Kripaluji Maharaj's Prem Mandir will be inaugurated on 17 February-Aaj Ki Khabar Archived 30 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Vasant Panchami to kick-start Holi celebrations in Mathura". CNN IBN. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014.
- ^ Lathmar Holi Festival Lane Turner, Boston.com, (March 5, 2012)
- ^ "Kheria Airport Area and Mathura by Road, Distance Between Kheria Airport Area and Mathura , Distance by Road from Kheria Airport Area and Mathura with Travel Time, Mathura Distance from Kheria Airport Area, Driving Direction Calculator from kheria airport area and mathura".
27°29′24″N 77°40′12″E / 27.49000°N 77.67000°E