Surasena (Mathura)
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Overview
Surasena (Shurasena) was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas, in the Braj region on the Yamuna around present-day Mathura.
Its capital Mathura was linked with Krishna worship. Greek writers mention the Sourasenoi and their city of Methora.
Later, Mathura became a major centre of art under the Kushanas, known for its red sandstone sculptures.
Geography and key facts
- One of the 16 mahajanapadas
- Capital: Mathura, on the Yamuna
- Linked with the Krishna tradition
- Mathura school of art (Kushana period)
Why it matters for UPSC
Prelims (1997) used a map of mahajanapadas. Mathura, Gandhara and Amaravati schools of art are often compared.
Note for UPSC
On the Yamuna.
Mahajanapadas are asked with their capitals and present-day regions; positions are approximate.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 1997 · Q85The following map shows four of the sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India. The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Surasena (Mathura).
Key facts
- Type
- Mahajanapada
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 27.492°N, 77.674°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 1 question · 1997
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
More mahajanapadas (approx.) nearby
Other places in Uttar Pradesh
All mahajanapadas (approx.) · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs