Mathura

by Doris Meth Srinivasan

Mathura: The Cultural Heritage is a collection of papers focussing on the major facets of life within the town of ancient Mathura from earliest times up to and including third century A.D., the formative period of Indian culture and urban growth. Thirty-six papers pertain to the following eight disciplines: Historical Background, Society and Economy, Religious Sects, Numismatics, Archaeology, Language and Literature, Epigraphy, and Art and Iconography. The contributors from India, Europe and North America, use a variety of approaches. Some present broad state-of-the-knowledge discussions; others consider specific issues or problems. In all, however, Mathura is the star. Seldom does the tempo slacken in tracking down some aspect of existence in ancient Mathura and coaxing it to come alive. As a result, the theme that emerges is one of brahmanical Mathura becoming cosmopolitan Mathura under waves of influence originating outside of Mathura. This volume is based on the proceedings of an eight day seminar on the cultural history of ancient mathura held in New Delhi in 1980 and sponsored by the American Institute of Indian Studies.

About the Author:

DORIS METH SRINIVASAN is Associate Professorial Lecturer of Art History at The George Washington University.