RECLAIMING MATHURA: Historical Analysis of Krishna Janambhoomi
Reclaiming Mathura: Historical Analysis of Krishna Janambhoomi is a historical account of Vraj, particularly Mathura, from Treta Yug to the present times based on references from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, several Puranas, archaeological reports, and a treasure trove of more historical literature spanning different time periods.
Kesavadev shrine was first built by Vajranabh, Krishna’s great grandson, at Katra in Mathura at the dawn of Kali Yug. When Mamhud of Ghazni destroyed the temples and burnt the city in 1017 CE, he came across few temples that were then 4000 years old. Archaeologist Alexander Cunningham opined about the Kesavadev as the grand temple that Mahmud described. Archaeologists have unearthed remnants of magnificent temples, spanning different time periods, at Katra site, with the oldest relic dating back to 2000 years. The last grand construction of Kesavadev temple by Bir Singh Bundela was carried out at a cost of 33 lakhs in 1618. At Aurangzeb’s orders, this temple was destroyed in 1670. A mosque was built at the demolished site. In 1815, Raja Patni Mal of Benaras purchased 13.37 acres of land in Mathura, which included the site of the Katra Kesavadev temple, from the British in an auction. Jugal Kishore Birla bought this land from Patni Mal’s descendants in 1944. In 1950, the Sri Krishna Janambhoomi Trust was set up to build a grand temple of Krishna at Katra. Part of the 13.37 acres of the land is currently under the control of Shahi Idgah Mosque, including the area where the prison cell — the birthplace of Krishna, is situated. Reclamation is indispensable given the sanctity of the site as one of the prominent tirthas of the Hindus.
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