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.
