Mathura was the capital of one of the 16 Mahajanapadhas, Surasena, that existed between the 6th and 4th century BCE.
It was located in a region corresponding to the present-day Brij in Uttar Pradesh.
The name Surasena is mentioned in the Ramayana.
Buddhism gained popularity in the Mathura region through Avantipura, the king of Surasena. He was a major disciple of Buddha.
Mathura was known as a center for worship of Lord Krishna during the time of Megasthenes. The Surasena kingdom was later annexed by the Magadha Empire.
What are Mahajanapadas
- Mahajanapadhas were a group of 16 kingdoms formed out of traditional tribal societies into an agriculture-based society with well defined political structure and trade.
- The term “Janapada” means the foothold of a tribe.
- 16 well developed regions or the Mahajanapadas were:
Kasi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi/Cheti, Vasta, Kuru, Pancchala, Matsya, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.
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