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Cults and shrines in early historical Mathura (c. 200 bc-ad 200)
| Title: | Cults and shrines in early historical Mathura (c. 200 bc-ad 200)
| | Author: | Upinder Singh | | Publication: | World Archaeology / Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group | | Enumeration: | vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 378-398, September 2004 | | Abstract: | This paper uses archaeological evidence to identify some of the multiple religious strands and layers that mark the rich cultural landscape of ancient Mathura (in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh). Focusing on the four centuries between c. 200 bc and ad 200, it identifies what can be described in retrospect as an important stage in the early history of popular Hinduism. The paper highlights the importance of the old cults of the goddesses, yakshas, yakshis, nagas, nagis, and their interface with emerging Puranic pantheons. It delineates the architectural forms of early temples in the Mathura area, their sources of patronage and the religious dimensions of royal policy, bringing into focus the great resilience of some of the older cults. Source of Abstract: Provided by Publisher | | Tools: |
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