Mathura was a beautiful city and with a number of Shrines

Ancient Mathura
Mathura had been an important settlement for more than 2,500 years. The reasons for its importance were several. One most important reason was that it was located at crossed of the two major routes of travel and trade, from the north – west to the east and from north to south. Mathura was a beautiful city with fortification around it. It also had a number of shrines. Farmers and herders from adjoining areas provided food for people in the city.
The Kushanas made Mathura their second capital around 2,000 years ago. Their two major centers of power were Peshawar and Mathura. Taxila was also included in their kingdom.The Kushanas were amongst the earliest rulers to issue gold coins.

Mathura was a big religious center too, having Buddhist monasteries and Jain shrines, and it was an important center for the worship of Lord Krishna. Inscription on the surface of stone slabs and statues have been found in Mathura.
These inscriptions are short but tell a lot about the society of that time. Gifts given by men and women to monasteries are mentioned. Whatever grants and gifts, kings and queens, officers, merchants and crafts person made are recorded in this inscription. A broader view of society is also understood from these inscriptions. They also mention goldsmith, weavers, blacksmiths, basket – makers, garlands -makers and performers.