Kushans belonged to the Yue-chi or Tocharian tribe of Central Asia. They used to get their livelihood by attacking and robbing the Chinese territories. After the construction of the Great Wall of China by the Chinese Emperor Shi-Hung-Ti in 220 B.C., they lost their livelihood and diverted their attention towards India. The Kushans established an extensive kingdom that spread from river Oxus in Central Asia to river Ganges in India. Purushapura (Peshawar) in North-West India served as their first capital and Mathura on the bank of river Yamuna became their second capital.
- Kujula Kadphisis: He was the founder of this dynasty. He assumed the titles of Dharmasthitha, Sacha Dharmasthitha and Maharajadhiraja.
- Vima Kadphisis: He issued gold coins named Dinars. They contain the images of Shiva, nandi, trishul and his title Maheswara inscribed on them.
- Kanishka: Kanishka was the greatest of all the rulers of this dynasty. He minted large number of copper and gold coins. The figures of the. Greek and the Indian deities were engraved on them. He struck coins with the image of Buddha and Sakya Buddho was engraved below it. Kanishka built a city named Kanishkapura in Kashmir.
He assumed the title of Kaiser and Devaputra by imitating the emperors of Rome and China. (Kaiser / Ceaser was the common title taken by the Roman Emperors and ‘Son Of God’ by the Chinese Emperors.) Kanishka embraced Mahayana Buddhism and patronised the following two Mahayana scholars.
- Vasumitra: He presided over the fourth Buddhist council. A Sanskrit book named Mahavibhasha Shastra was written by him.
- Asvagosha: He served as the vice-president of the fourth Buddhist council. Shauriputra Prakarana and Sundara Nandana written by him are the earliest dramas in India. He also authored kavyas named Buddha Charita, Vajra Suchi and Gandhistotra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the Kushans, and when did they rule in India?
Answer: The Kushans were a Central Asian nomadic people who established a powerful empire in South Asia. They ruled in India from the 1st to the 3rd century CE, during the Foreign Dynasties period, succeeding the Mauryan Empire.
2. What was the significance of the Kushan Empire in Indian history?
Answer: The Kushan Empire played a crucial role in facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges between India and Central Asia. They were known for their support of Buddhism and the promotion of Gandhara art, which blended Hellenistic and Indian styles.
3. How did the Kushans contribute to trade and commerce during their rule?
Answer: The Kushans actively participated in the Silk Road trade routes, connecting the East and West. Their control over key trade routes facilitated cultural exchanges and economic prosperity. They were instrumental in the spread of Indian goods and ideas to Central Asia and beyond.
4. Who was the most famous Kushan ruler, and what were his contributions?
Answer: Kanishka the Great is the most renowned Kushan ruler. His reign is marked by the promotion of Buddhism and the convening of the Fourth Buddhist Council. Kanishka also expanded the Kushan Empire’s boundaries and played a pivotal role in the cultural fusion of Indian, Persian, and Hellenistic influences.
5. What led to the decline of the Kushan Empire in India?
Answer: The decline of the Kushan Empire was influenced by internal strife, external invasions, and economic factors. After the death of Kanishka, the empire faced fragmentation and invasions by the Sassanid Persians and the White Huns. These factors collectively contributed to the weakening and eventual decline of the Kushan rule in India.
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