LEGEND OF DWARAKA

Legend of Dwaraka

Krishna- the protector of Mathura, the lord of Dwaraka and the reciter of the Bhagwad Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra-is one of the most enduring legends of India. But was he also a mortal, historical figure? Two books look at connections between the ancient texts and archaeology

By T.R. Gopaalakrushnan

After killing Kamsa, Krishna and his brother Balarama placed Ugrasena on the throne and remained in Mathura. This greatly angered Kamsa’s father-in-law Jarasandha, the emperor of Magadha. He repeatedly attacked Mathura to avenge Kamsa’s death. Although Krishna and his small Yadava army were able to defeat Jarasandha’s hordes every time, it was an unequal contest in which superior numbers were bound to tell in the long run. So Krishna led the Yadavas to the west coast. They built the fortified town of Dwaraka on the site of the ancient Kushastali, which became Krishna’s seat for the…