ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a historical account of the rise of the Kachvāhā clan to become the chief partners of the Mughal regime, illustrating that the rapid expansion of the Mughal Empire was not achieved alone, relying instead substantially on strategic alliances. Although there were numerous successes with this new-found Mughal-Kachvāhā coalition, for a variety of reasons, the union did not fulfil its potential. The intimate relationship between these two dynasties developed to support political ambitions; however, when the political circumstances changed either due to ambitions being met or due to rulers of the dynasties changing, the alliance waned. During this period communities such as the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas of Bengal migrated to Vṛndāvana with the purpose of rediscovering the land of Kṛṣṇa. Local bhakti traditions and archaeological excavations indicate that Vṛndāvana was all but barren of pilgrimage sites of Kṛṣṇa until Vaiṣṇava reformers such as Caitanya arrived in Vṛndāvana. However, they were not alone in this endeavour, as the political influences of the day provided generous patronage and resources to facilitate their ambitions. The favourable political situation and stability proved to be crucial in order for Vṛndāvana to flourish with new temples emerging. However, as the Mughal–Kachvāhā alliance fluctuated, as political players came and went, Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava temples like Govindadeva in Vṛndāvana faced prosperity and threats accordingly.
