Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura
Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura
Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura is a scholarly book by historian Meenakshi Jain, published in 2021. The book delves into the historical and religious significance of Vasudeva Krishna and the ancient city of Mathura, exploring the evolution of the Bhagavata religion and the archaeological findings at Katra Keshavadeva.
Background
Meenakshi Jain, a renowned historian and recipient of the Padma Shri award, authored this book to provide a comprehensive account of the antiquity of image worship in India, focusing on Vasudeva Krishna of the Vrishni clan. The book was published by Aryan Books International.
Content
The book is divided into several sections, each addressing different aspects of the history and significance of Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura:
- The Antiquity of Image Worship - Examines the early practices of image worship in India and its development over centuries.
- The Bhagavata Religion - Discusses the evolution of the Bhagavata religion centered around Vasudeva Krishna.
- Archaeological Findings at Katra Keshavadeva - Details significant archaeological discoveries at the site of Katra Keshavadeva in Mathura, dating back to the early Common Era.
- Historical Events - Chronicles the repeated destruction and reconstruction of the Keshavadeva temple, including invasions by Mahmud Ghaznavi and Aurangzeb, and the subsequent rebuilding efforts by Hindu devotees.
Notable Sections
Some of the notable sections in the book include:
- Medieval Period Devastations - Describes the destruction of the Keshavadeva temple by Mahmud Ghaznavi in 1071 CE and its reconstruction within a century.
- Colonial and Post-Colonial Developments - Explores the legal and social developments at Katra Keshavadeva during the British colonial period and after India's independence.
Reception
Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura has been praised for its meticulous research and detailed narrative. It provides valuable insights into the historical and religious significance of Mathura and the enduring devotion to Vasudeva Krishna[^1^][1][^2^][2].
Author
Meenakshi Jain is an esteemed historian with a focus on cultural and religious developments in ancient and medieval India. Her other notable works include Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples, The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya, and Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries, and the Changing Colonial Discourse[^3^][3].
References
- Jain, Meenakshi. Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura. Aryan Books International, 2021.
External Links
[^1^][1]: Amazon: Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura [archive] [^2^][2]: Goodreads: Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura [archive] [^3^][3]: Sunday Guardian Live: Vasudeva Krishna and Mathura [archive]