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Facts related to Uttar Pradesh

Under the rule of Kanishka, The Kushana empire reached its maximum territorial limits. This empire extended from the Central Asia to the northern India, while including Varanasi, Kaushambi and Sravasti in Uttar Pradesh region.
The Kushanas patronized the Gandhara and the Mathura schools of sculptural art which are known for producing the earliest images of Buddha and Buddhisattavas.
The successors of Kanishka had ruled for another one hundred and fifty years. His son Huvishka kept the empire intact. While Mathura became an important city under his rule, like his father Kanishka he was also a patron of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism religion.
The last significant Kushana ruler was Vasudeva. The Kushana empire got much reduced in his rule. Various inscription with his name are found in and around Mathura. He was a worshipper of Siva. And after Vasudeva, petty Kushan princes ruled for sometime in northwestern India after which the empire faded away.
Wema Kadphises further extended the Kushana empire atleast upto Mathura, although one of his inscription is found from Ganwaria (Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh) and his coins are discovered all over Uttar Pradesh and from Bihar as well.
Mathura was most probably the eastern head-quarter of the Kushane empire. Most sites in Uttar Pradesh attained their peak of prosperity during the Sunga-Kushana phase when a large number of flourishing urban centres can be archaeologically attested.

KUSHANS

In the post-Mauryan era, central Asia and north-western India witnessed hectic and shifting political scenes. The Great Yuehi-chi driven out of fertile lend in Western china migrated towards the Aral Sea. There they encountered the Sakas near Syr Darya river and evicted them. The Great Yuehi-Chi tribes settled in the valley of Oxus and with the occupation of the Bactrian lands the great hordes were divided into five principalities. A century later the Kushan section or sect of Yuehi-Chi attained predominance over the otheres. Their leader was Kadphises. Thus began the history of Kushans. The unique geographical position of the Kushans empire made it a colossus astride on the spine of Asia uniting the Greco-Roman civilization in the west the Chinese civilization in the east and Indian civilisation in the south-east.

The leader of the Kushans was kadphises and his rule probably began in 40 A.D. He attacked the regions south of Hindu Kush, conquered Kabul and annexed Gandhara including the kingdom of Taxila. Kadphises died in 77 A.D. or 78 A.D. By then the Kushans had supplanted the princes belonging to the Indo-Greek saka and Indo-Parthian communities along the frontiers of India. The successor of kadphises was Vima-Kadphses. He conquered large parts of norther India. His coins show that his authority extended as far as Banaras and as well as the Indus basin. In all likelihood his power extended as far as Narbada and the Saka satraps in Malwa and Western India acknowledged his Sovereignty.

By that time the Chinese reasserted their authority in the north and this led to a collusion with the Kushans. The Chinese general pan-chao conquered Chinese Turkistan and established the Chinese authority in parthia that is on the territory south of the Caspian sea.

These advances frightened the Kushans. In 87 AD Kadphises II, claimed the hand of a Chiese princes, an acknowledgement of his Equality with the son of Heaven. The proposal was rejected and Kadphises, dispatched a large army, But the army was decimated because of the difficult terrain. And it was easily defeated by the Chinese. The Kushan ruler was compelled to pay tribute the China and the Chinese records so that the Kushans continued to send missions to Cnina till the close of the century. Rossibly the reign of Kadphises II ended C. 110 A.D.

The next ruler, Kanishka probably belonged to the little Yuehi-chi section of the horde. His capital was Purushapura and here he erected a large number of Buddhist buildings. In his early years he annexed Kashmir and consolidated his rule in the Indus and the Gangetic basin. His army crossed the Pamirs and inflicted a defeat on the Chinese. The chief of Khotan, Yarkand and the Ksshgar were made to pay tribute. Tradition states that while Kanishka was on his return from the Chinese Turkistan, he was sothered to death by his officers who had got weary of his campaigns. Most of his time was spent on waging wars.

A large number of inscriptions were incised during the times of Kanishka and his successor. According to evidence, Kanishka became an active partron of the Buddhist Church during the later part of his reign. Althouth the Buddhist records gloat over this fact and regard him as the second Asoka, his coins prove that he honoured a medley of gods – zoroastrain, Greek, Mitraic, and Indian. The prominent Indian duty on the coins was Shiva. The peculiar assembly of deities by the Kushans offers a great deal of speculation. May be Kansihka follwed a loose from of Zorostrianism and freely venerated the deities of other greeds.

Also, Kanishka covened a council of Buddhist theologians to settle disputes relating to Buddhist faith and practices. The conclusions of this council were engraved on copper sheets and preserved in the stupa of the capital. The delgates to the council primarily belonged to the Hinayana sect.

The Buddhism of this period was definitely a lax one. The Mahayana sect was popular. But early Buddhism was an India product and was based on the Indian ideas of rebirth, transmigration of souls and the blessedness of escape from the pains of being. This Buddhism was supported by a practical system of ethics inculcating a stoic devotion to duty for its own sake. Such a teaching needed fundamental changes to attract the sturdy mountaineer, the nomad horseman and the Helloe rized Alexandrian. The veneration for a dead teacher passed into a worship of living seviour.

Soon the Kushan power declined. Within the Kingdom, harm was done to the Kushan Empire by the Nagas and Yaudheyas. A Naga ruler probably performed ten ashvamedha sacrifices. Apart from these two communities, a few other tribes also, like the Malavas and the Kunindas, probably regained their importance at the expense of the Kushan empire.

Apart from the weaknesses to the successors of Kanishka, developments in the Persia influenced the history of North western India. The Parthians were overthrown byArdashir in 226 A.D. who established theSassanian dynasty. His successors annxed Peshawar and Taxila during the middle of the 3rd century. And Kushan kings in the north-west became the vassals of the Sasssanians. The successors of Kanishka, as established today, are the following : Vashiska (102-106), Hyvishka (106-138), and Vasudeva (c. 152-176). The history after this period is extremely vague. Over the ruins of the empire, in Central Asia and the west, rose the Sassanian empire of Persia and in India. The Gupta Empire.

Speaking in general about the achievement of the Kushans, the first is the economic prosperity. As the Kushan empire was situated in a crucial geographical region. There was brisk trade. Moreover, the very area covered by the Kushan empire helped the flow of trade between the east and the west. Some trade routes which came into existence in this period continued to serve the future also. Gold coins of great complexity were issued by the Kushans.

These coins speak of the prosperity of the people. The coins of Kanishka usually show the figure of Kanishka standing and sacrificing at altar, and on the obverse, deities belonging to various religions. The coins of the Kushans also show that the Kushans were in contact with the Romans – the weight of the Kushan coins has certain similarities with the Roman coins. According to the author of the Periplus god and silver species were imported at Barygaza (Broach).

As regards art and literature, we have to state that their greatest contribution was the Gandhara art. It was in this period that the stone images of the Buddha and the Bodhisattavas were craved out. The chief of quality of this art is the blending of Buddhist subjects with Greek forms. Images of the Buddha appear in the likeness of Apollo, and theYakshakubera is posed in the fasino of Zeus. The imprint of this school of art is still to be found in Mathura and Amarvati. Indeed, the carving of images and the building of temples was not neglected in earlier days, but under the Kushans they attained a refinement. The Chaitya built at Peshawar was as high as four storeys. Fa-Hien, passing through Gandhara, during the fifth century, praised the images of the Buddha, Bodhisattavas and numerous other deities. The early rulers fostered the Hellenistic art of Gandhara and also the Bhikshu Bela, and from this place artistic products were sent to Sarasvati and Sarnath. Kanishka was a great builder – tower at Peshawar, a new city in Taxila, a town in Kashmir and fine buildings and sculptures at Mathura. It was at the last place a portrait stature of Kanishka has been found but its head is not there. Further, the die-engravers employed by the Kushans were far from negligible. A special note is to be taken of coinage. The Kushan coins became the prototypes for many varieities of coins of Yadheyas, the imperial Guptas, some kings of Nepa and several Kings of Chedi. Eminent Buddhist writers – Nagajuna, Asvaghosha and Vasumitra were the names associated with Kanishka. The first was a poet, musician, scholar and a zealous Buddhist monk. Charaka was the court physician of Kanishka.

The next thing to be noted about the Kushana is their religion. In all likelihood, missionaries propagated Buddhism in central Asia and China in this period. Possibly, it was during the time of Kanishka that Mahayana Buddhism was sanctified. The fourth Buddhist council that was summoned by Kanishka canonized the doctrines of Hinayana and Mahayana. The deliberations of the conference were engraved on sheets of copper and were sealed and deposited in a stupa, but they have not been found so far. But to regard Kanishka as the founder patron of the Mahayana sect, which came into existence under the Kushans, is a disputable point. Even though many scholars regard Kanishka as the second Asoka some writers do not agree with this view. In addition to these things, we must mention that the Kushana kings patronized all kinds of religions, including Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism. Kanishka was definitely and eclectic monarch as he honored a medley of gods belonging to the Greek, Zoroastrian and Hindu faiths. Not only Buddhism flourished under the Kushanas but there were definitely stirrings of Hinduism. Many brahminical sects started merging. Along with religion, Sanskrit language received an impetus. In a way the Kushan age constituted the prelude to the Gupta age.

In this ammner, the Services rendered by the Kushanas are commendable. A mere evaluation of the Personality of Kanishka alone would not help us to estimate the importance of the Kushanas as the empire lasted for three centuries. To a certain extent, the prosperious time of peace during the Gupta period was directly due to the Kushans undertaking the unconscious role of the shield and buckler of Indian civiliszation and culture. The Kushan state was a buffer between the Aryan civilization and the nomadic hordes in central Asia who from time to time, had overrun the civilized worlds with the sweep of avalanches. It was also responsible for the exchange of ideas and goods between different civilization because of the peculiar geographical position occupied by the Kushanas a clearing house for the ideas and goods of different civilization.

The Kushan Empire was an Indo-Scythian empire that ruled over much of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 1st to the 4th centuries CE. The Kushans were originally a nomadic people from Central Asia who migrated into the Indian subcontinent in the early 1st century CE. They quickly established themselves as a major power in the region, and their empire reached its peak under the reign of Kanishka the Great (c. 127-150 CE).

The Kushans were patrons of Buddhism, and they played a major role in the spread of the religion throughout Central Asia and India. They also built many important Buddhist monuments, including the famous stupa at Sanchi.

The Kushan dynasty declined in the 4th century CE, and it was eventually overthrown by the Gupta Empire. However, the Kushans left a lasting legacy on the Indian subcontinent, and their culture and art continue to be studied and admired today.

Kushan Empire

The Kushan Empire was founded by Kujula Kadphises in the early 1st century CE. Kujula Kadphises was a leader of the Yuezhi people, a nomadic people from Central Asia. The Yuezhi had been forced to migrate from their homeland in the Tarim Basin by the Xiongnu, a powerful nomadic confederation.

Kujula Kadphises led the Yuezhi into the Indian subcontinent, where they conquered the Gandhara region. Gandhara was a region in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent that was at the crossroads of Indian and Central Asian cultures. The Kushans quickly established themselves as a major power in the region, and they soon expanded their empire to include much of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

The Kushan Empire reached its peak under the reign of Kanishka the Great (c. 127-150 CE). Kanishka was a powerful and ambitious ruler who expanded the Kushan Empire to its greatest extent. He also patronized Buddhism, and he played a major role in the spread of the religion throughout Central Asia and India.

Kanishka the Great was succeeded by a number of other rulers, but the Kushan Empire began to decline in the 4th century CE. The empire was eventually overthrown by the Gupta Empire in the early 5th century CE.

Kushan rulers

The Kushan Empire was ruled by a number of different rulers over the course of its history. The most famous Kushan ruler was Kanishka the Great, who reigned from c. 127 to 150 CE. Kanishka was a powerful and ambitious ruler who expanded the Kushan Empire to its greatest extent. He also patronized Buddhism, and he played a major role in the spread of the religion throughout Central Asia and India.

Other notable Kushan rulers include Kujula Kadphises, who founded the Kushan Empire in the early 1st century CE; Vima Kadphises, who reigned from c. 90 to 127 CE; and Huvishka, who reigned from c. 150 to 180 CE.

Kushan art

The Kushans were patrons of the arts, and they commissioned many beautiful works of art. Kushan art is characterized by its use of Indian and Central Asian motifs. Some of the most famous examples of Kushan art include the sculptures at the stupa at Sanchi and the coins of Kanishka the Great.

Kushan religion

The Kushans were patrons of Buddhism, and they played a major role in the spread of the religion throughout Central Asia and India. Kanishka the Great was a particularly devout Buddhist, and he convened a major Buddhist council at his capital city of Purushapura (modern-day Peshawar, Pakistan).

The Kushans also built many important Buddhist monuments, including the stupa at Sanchi. The stupa at Sanchi is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the world, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kushan culture

The Kushans were a diverse people, and their culture was a blend of Indian and Central Asian influences. Kushan art, architecture, and religion all reflect this cultural mix.

The Kushans also made a significant contribution to the development of the Indian subcontinent. They built roads, bridges, and Irrigation systems, and they promoted Trade and Commerce. The Kushans also played a role in the spread of Buddhism throughout the region.

Kushan legacy

The Kushan Empire left a lasting legacy on the Indian subcontinent. The Kushans built many important monuments, and their culture and art continue to be studied and admired today. The Kushans also played a major role in the spread of Buddhism throughout Central Asia and India.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the Kushan Empire:

When did the Kushan Empire exist?
The Kushan Empire existed from the 1st to the 4th centuries CE.
Where was the Kushan Empire located?
The Kushan Empire was located in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Who were the Kushans?
The Kushans were an Indo-European people who originated in Central Asia.
What was the capital of the Kushan Empire?
The capital of the Kushan Empire was at Bactria, which is now in Afghanistan.
Who was the founder of the Kushan Empire?
The founder of the Kushan Empire was Kujula Kadphises.
Who was the most famous Kushan ruler?
The most famous Kushan ruler was Kanishka I.
What was the religion of the Kushans?
The Kushans were originally followers of Zoroastrianism, but they later converted to Buddhism.
What was the impact of the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire had a significant impact on the development of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They spread Buddhism to these regions and built many important monuments.
What was the legacy of the Kushan Empire?
The legacy of the Kushan Empire is still felt today in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They left behind a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence the region.
What are some of the achievements of the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They built a vast empire, spread Buddhism, and built many important monuments.
What are some of the challenges faced by the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire faced a number of challenges, including internal strife, external threats, and economic problems.
What was the ultimate fate of the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire eventually collapsed in the 4th century CE. The reasons for its collapse are still debated by historians.
What are some of the sources of information about the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire is a well-documented empire. There are a number of sources of information about the Kushan Empire, including coins, inscriptions, and archaeological remains.
What are some of the misconceptions about the Kushan Empire?
One misconception about the Kushan Empire is that it was a purely Indian empire. In fact, the Kushan Empire was a multi-ethnic empire that included people from Central Asia, India, and China.
What are some of the recent discoveries about the Kushan Empire?
There have been a number of recent discoveries about the Kushan Empire. In 2001, a team of archaeologists discovered a large hoard of Kushan coins in Afghanistan. In 2013, a team of archaeologists discovered a Kushan-era city in Pakistan.
What are some of the unanswered questions about the Kushan Empire?
There are a number of unanswered questions about the Kushan Empire. One question is what the original language of the Kushan Empire was. Another question is why the Kushan Empire collapsed.
What are some of the future directions of research on the Kushan Empire?
Future research on the Kushan Empire could focus on a number of areas, including the Kushan Empire’s economy, religion, and culture.

The Kushan Empire was founded by:
(A) Kanishka I
(B) Vima Kadphises
(C) Huvishka
(D) Vasudeva I
The Kushan Empire was a major power in:
(A) Central Asia
(B) India
(C) China
(D) All of the above
The Kushan Empire was known for its:
(A) Art
(B) Architecture
(C) Coinage
(D) All of the above
The Kushan Empire was eventually conquered by the:
(A) Gupta Empire
(B) Sassanid Empire
(C) Arabs
(D) Huns
The Kushan Empire was a major influence on the development of:
(A) Indian art
(B) Chinese art
(C) Central Asian art
(D) All of the above
The Kushan Empire was a major source of trade between:
(A) India and China
(B) India and Central Asia
(C) India and the Mediterranean world
(D) All of the above
The Kushan Empire was a major center of Learning and culture.
(A) True
(B) False
The Kushan Empire was a major power for over 200 years.
(A) True
(B) False
The Kushan Empire was founded by a group of people from Central Asia.
(A) True
(B) False
The Kushan Empire was a major influence on the development of Buddhism.
(A) True
(B) False