Kushanas

Kushanas:

The Kushanas (Yueh-Chis or Tocharians) were a nomadic tribal people originating from Yue-chi tribe from the steppes of north Central Asia.

Initially, they occupied Bactria (north Afghanistan), displacing the Shakas, and gradually took control of Gandhara, replacing Indo-Greeks and Parthians rule.

Their empire extended from the Oxus River to the Ganga River, covering the vast area from Khorasan in Central Asia to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, encompassing approximately the territory of nine modern countries.

They controlled the entire Silk Route.

Rulers:

Kujula Kadphises (Kadphises I):

He ruled from 15 CE to 64 CE.

He achieved the unification of the five clans within the Yue-chi tribe, laying the foundation for the Kushana empire.

Defeated the Greeks to establish the Kingdom.

Occupied Kabul and Kashmir.

He introduced copper coins to facilitate trade.

These coins have been discovered south of the Hindu Kush, indicating the Kushanas’ expansion into the Indian sub-continent during his reign.

His coins also suggest a connection to Buddhism, as he adopted the epithets ‘Dharmathida’ and ‘Sachadharmathida.’

Vima Kadphises:

He is also known as Wema Kadphises II, ruled from 64 CE to 78 CE.

His reign was marked by significant achievements:

Conquest of Gandhara: Vima Kadphises successfully conquered the region of Gandhara from the Parthians.

Expansion to the East: He expanded his kingdom eastward, extending control over territories east of the Indus River, including the Mathura region.

Cultural Integration: Vima Kadphises played a crucial role in integrating Central Asia with North India, fostering the exchange of cultures and boosting inter-regional trade.

Coinage: He was first to issue a substantial number of gold coins during his rule, prominently featuring the symbol of Shiva with his trident and bull.

Devotion to Shiva: Vima Kadphises was a devout follower of Shiva, proclaiming himself as ‘Mahishvara’ on his coins, further highlighting his religious affiliation.

Vasudeva I:

He was the last of the “Great Kushans.”

Vasudeva-I adopted the title Shaono Shao Vasudevo

Koshano, indicating the Indianization of the Kushanas.

The decline of the Kushana empire began during Vasudeva-I’s reign.

• Hunza Inscription: Names of these rulers and various Kshtatrapas and Mahakshtrapas are found on Kharoshthi inscriptions on a massive rock at Hunza (located between the Karakoram highway and the Hunza river).

Kanishka (78CE – 101 CE):

• He was the son of Kadphises II.

• Kanishka adopted the title of ‘Devputra’.

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• Some of his coins depict him wearing a ‘peaked helmet’.

• He is the most famous Kushana king, and his reign marked the zenith of the Kushana empire.

• Geographical spread- His empire expanded significantly, from Central Asia to Afghanistan, East into the Ganga valley and Southwards into the Malwa region.

• Included important cities like Varanasi, Kaushambi, Shravasti, and Sanchi.

• The empire’s center was Bactria, evident from the use of the Bactrian language on Kanishka’s coins and inscriptions.

• The Rabatak Inscription in modern Baghran province, Afghanistan, provides valuable information on Kanishka.

• He has two capital cities: Purushapura (present day Peshawar) and Mathura. Taxila and Begram were also regional capitals.

• Kanishka is remembered for two major reasons:

• He started the Shaka era in 78 CE, now used by the Government of India for its calendar.

• He held the fourth Buddhist council at Kundalavana,

near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

• The council was presided over by Vasumitra.

• It resulted in the split of Buddhism into two schools: Hinayana and Mahayana.

• Mahayana Buddhism became the dominant sect.

• Kanishka sent emissaries to China to propagate Buddhism.

• He patronised great scholars and eminent personalities of that era such as:

• Ashvagosha: Buddhist scholar, wrote Buddhacharita and Saundarananda.

• Charaka: Father of Ayurveda wrote Charaksamhita and Sasruta.

• Vasumitra:Philosophe    r,autho    red    Mahavibhasa encyclopedia of Buddhist philosophy.

• Nagarjuna: Proposed Theory of Relativity in Prajna Parimata Sutra, Mahayana exponent.

• Mathara: Minister known for unusual intelligence.

• Agesilaus: Greek engineer believed to have overseen the construction of the Purushapura stupa.

• He was a patron of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of sculpture. E.g., Headless statue of Kanishka.

• He controlled the famous Silk Route in Central Asia.

• Kanishka was tolerant toward various religions. His coinage, featuring motifs from various traditions:

• Indian motifs: Shiva and Buddha.

• Greek motifs: Helios and Selene.

• West Asian motifs: Persian gods Atash and Mithra.

• Towards the end of his reign, Kanishka led an unsuccessful military expedition into Central Asia against the Chinese. He was defeated by General Pan-chao and had to pay tribute to the Chinese emperor Ho-ti.