Kushana Empire: Rise of Kanishka and Territorial Expansion

The Kushana, also known as the Yuechis or Tocharians, were a prominent clan of the Yuechi tribe that rose to power after the Parthians and Scythians. Among their rulers, Kanishka I stands out as one of the most significant, known for his military conquests and patronage of art and culture. The Kushan Empire, under Kanishka’s rule, became a thriving center of trade and cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impact on the history and art of ancient India.                                                                                         

Geographical Expanse

Origin: Originating from north Central Asia near China, they occupied Bactria (North Afghanistan) by displacing the Shakas. 

Expansion: Their empire encompassed territories from the River Oxus (Amu Darya) to the Ganges, spanning Khorasan (Central Asia), Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. 

Dynasties within Kushanas

There were two successive Kushan dynasties:

• The first Kushana Dynasty was under Kadphises I (issued coins south of Hindukush and minted copper coins) and Kadphises II (issued a large number of gold coins and spread the kingdom east of the Indus River). They ruled from about 50 AD.
  • Khujula Kadphises was the first Kushan king who conquered Afghanistan. He was followed by Wima Kadphises. 
  • These two kings extended their territory to Gandhara, Punjab and as far to the east as the Ganga-Jumna doab up till Mathura.
  • Mathura was their second capital in India (the first being Purushpura or Peshawar).
  • The early Kushan kings issued gold coins with even higher gold content than is found in the Gupta coins.
• The second Kushana Dynasty was founded by Kanishka, who extended Kushan power to upper India and lower Indus basin.            

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Kanishka

• Background: He was the son of Kadphises II and was the most famous Kushana king, under whose reign the Kushana empire reached its zenith. 
• Inscription: The Rabatak Inscription (in modern Baghran province, Afghanistan) presents valuable information on Kanishka. 
  • It mentions that he adopted the title of ‘Devputra’ and has been shown wearing a ‘peaked helmet’ on some coins. 
• Kanishka’s Attire: Kanishka’s coins and his headless statue found near Mathura show him dressed in a belted tunic along with an overcoat and wearing boots, testifying to his Central Asian origins. 
• Shaka Era: He started an era around 78 AD, which is now known as the Shaka era. This era is used in the Indian National calendar. 
• Extent of His Empire (Initial): At the time of his accession, his empire included Afghanistan, Gandhara, Sind and Punjab. 
  • Subsequently, he conquered Magadha and extended his power as far as Pataliputra and Bodh Gaya. 
  • According to Kalhana, Kanishka invaded Kashmir and occupied it. 
• Extent of His Empire (Expansion): His coins are found in many places like Mathura, Sravasti, Kausambi and Benares and therefore, he must have conquered the greater part of the Gangetic plain. 
  • He also fought against the Chinese and acquired some territories from them. 

The Decline of the Kushan Empire

• Kanishka’s Successors: The successors of Kanishka ruled for another one hundred and fifty years. 
• Huvishka was the son of Kanishka and he kept the empire intact. 
  • Mathura became an important city under his rule. 
  • Like Kanishka, he was also a patron of Buddhism. 
• Vasudeva: He was the last significant Kushana Ruler
  • Most of his inscriptions are found in and around Mathura. 
  • He seems to have been a worshipper of Siva. 
  • After Vasudeva, petty Kushan princes ruled for some time in northwestern India.

Conclusion 

The Kushan Empire, with its diverse cultural influences and significant contributions to trade and art, stands as a testament to the rich history of ancient India. Despite facing various challenges, the Kushanas were able to establish a flourishing empire that left a lasting impact on the region. Their legacy is seen in Gandhara art, the spread of Buddhism, and their role in connecting the East and West through the Silk Road, making them a pivotal force in shaping the history of the subcontinent.