Before Krsna: Religious Diversity in Ancient Mathura

Mathura is most famous for its association with Vasudeva-Krsna, an important deity of the Hindu pantheon. In ancient times, however, this site contributed towards the production of exquisite pieces of sculpture, inscriptions, and terracottas associated with Buddhism, Jainism, and the Naga and Yaksa traditions as well. The literature and art inspired by these traditions make the religious landscape of Mathura a fascinating subject of study. Before Krsna is one such work that entails an epigraphic analysis of Mathura from the early historical till the early medieval period. It examines the content of inscriptions from Mathura, correlates it with other archaeological and literary sources, and assesses the available data in the context of the social, political, and economic processes underway in the Indian subcontinent at that time. This monograph not only provides the reader a taste of Mathura's religious diversity and plurality over time, but is also relevant for understanding the history of specific religious traditions and the threads of interaction between them.