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.
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The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE. The Kushans were a nomadic people of Iranian origin who originated in Bactria (modern-day Afghanistan). They conquered much of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and established a vast empire that stretched from the Oxus River in the west to the Ganges River in the east.
The Kushan Empire was a major center of trade and culture. The Kushans were patrons of the arts, and their empire was home to some of the finest examples of Gandharan art. The Kushans also played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China.
The Kushan Empire declined in the 3rd century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Gupta Empire. However, the Kushans left a lasting legacy on the history of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Origin and rise of The Kushana Dynasty
The Kushana dynasty was founded by Kujula Kadphises, who conquered Bactria in the early 1st century CE. Kujula Kadphises’ son, Vima Kadphises, extended the Kushan Empire to include much of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Vima Kadphises’ grandson, Kanishka, was the greatest Kushan ruler. Kanishka conquered much of the Indian subcontinent, and he also extended the Kushan Empire into China.
Kushan rulers and their achievements
The Kushan Empire was ruled by a series of powerful emperors. The most famous Kushan ruler was Kanishka, who reigned from about 127 to 150 CE. Kanishka was a great conqueror, and he extended the Kushan Empire to its greatest extent. He was also a patron of the arts, and he is credited with bringing Buddhism to Central Asia and China.
Other notable Kushan rulers include Kujula Kadphises, Vima Kadphises, Huvishka, and Vasudeva I.
Kushana art and architecture
The Kushans were patrons of the arts, and their empire was home to some of the finest examples of Gandharan art. Gandharan art is a style of Buddhist art that developed in Gandhara, a region that is now part of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Gandharan art is characterized by its use of Greco-Roman and Indian artistic Elements.
The Kushans also built many impressive temples and monuments. The most famous Kushan monument is the Great stupa at Taxila, which is one of the largest stupas in the world.
Kushana religion and culture
The Kushans were a polytheistic people, and they worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses. The most important Kushan god was the god of fire, Ahura Mazda. The Kushans also worshipped the sun god, Mithra, and the goddess of victory, Nana.
The Kushans were also tolerant of other religions, and they allowed Buddhism to flourish in their empire. Kanishka was a great patron of Buddhism, and he convened the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvana in 1st century CE.
Kushana relations with other empires
The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The Kushans had close relations with the Roman Empire, and they traded with the Romans for luxury goods. The Kushans also had close relations with the Chinese Empire, and they traded with the Chinese for silk.
Decline and fall of the Kushana dynasty
The Kushan Empire declined in the 3rd century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Gupta Empire. The decline of the Kushan Empire was due to a number of factors, including internal strife, economic problems, and attacks from foreign invaders.
The Kushan Empire left a lasting legacy on the history of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The Kushans were a major power in the region for centuries, and they played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism. The Kushans also left behind a rich legacy of art and architecture.
Q1. Who was the founder of the Kushana dynasty?
A1. The Kushana dynasty was founded by Kujula Kadphises in the 1st century CE.
Q2. What was the capital of the Kushana empire?
A2. The capital of the Kushana empire was Purushapura, which is now known as Peshawar in Pakistan.
Q3. Who was the most famous Kushan ruler?
A3. The most famous Kushan ruler was Kanishka, who ruled from 127 to 150 CE.
Q4. What was the religion of the Kushans?
A4. The Kushans were originally Hindus, but they adopted Buddhism under Kanishka.
Q5. What was the contribution of the Kushans to Indian art and architecture?
A5. The Kushans made a significant contribution to Indian art and architecture. They built many temples and stupas, and their style of art is known as Gandharan art.
Q6. What was the contribution of the Kushans to Indian Literature?
A6. The Kushans made a significant contribution to Indian literature. They translated many Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Greek and Latin, and they also patronized Indian poets and writers.
Q7. What was the impact of the Kushans on Society/”>Indian Society?
A7. The Kushans had a significant impact on Indian society. They introduced new ideas and technologies, and they also helped to spread Buddhism throughout India.
Q8. What was the legacy of the Kushans?
A8. The Kushans left a lasting legacy on Indian history and culture. Their empire was one of the largest and most powerful in Indian history, and their art, architecture, and literature continue to influence Indian culture today.
Q9. What were the causes of the decline of the Kushan empire?
A9. The decline of the Kushan empire was caused by a number of factors, including internal strife, external invasions, and economic decline.
Q10. What was the impact of the decline of the Kushan empire on India?
A10. The decline of the Kushan empire had a significant impact on India. It led to the fragmentation of the empire and the rise of smaller kingdoms. It also led to a decline in trade and economic activity.
The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE. It was founded by Kujula Kadphises, who conquered the region of Gandhara in the early 1st century CE. The Kushans reached their peak under Kanishka the Great, who ruled from around 127 to 150 CE. Kanishka was a major patron of Buddhism, and his reign saw the spread of the religion throughout Central Asia and India. The Kushan Empire declined in the 3rd century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Gupta Empire.
The Kushans were a mixed people, with Indo-Aryan and Iranian elements. They spoke a language called Kushanshahi, which was a mixture of Sanskrit and Prakrit. The Kushans were tolerant of other religions, and allowed Buddhism, Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism to flourish in their empire.
The Kushans were a major force in the development of Indian art and architecture. They built many temples and stupas, and their style of art influenced later Indian art. The Kushans also played a role in the development of the Silk Road, which connected China and the Mediterranean world.
The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent for over two centuries. They were a mixed people with Indo-Aryan and Iranian elements, and spoke a language called Kushanshahi. The Kushans were tolerant of other religions, and allowed Buddhism, Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism to flourish in their empire. They were a major force in the development of Indian art and architecture, and played a role in the development of the Silk Road.
Here are some MCQs on the Kushan Empire:
The Kushan Empire was founded by:
(A) Kujula Kadphises
(B) Kanishka the Great
(C) Vima Kadphises
(D) HuvishkaThe Kushan Empire reached its peak under:
(A) Kujula Kadphises
(B) Kanishka the Great
(C) Vima Kadphises
(D) HuvishkaThe Kushan Empire was a major power in:
(A) Central Asia
(B) The Indian subcontinent
(C) Both Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent
(D) Neither Central Asia nor the Indian subcontinentThe Kushans were a mixed people with elements of:
(A) Indo-Aryan and Iranian
(B) Chinese and Japanese
(C) European and African
(D) None of the aboveThe Kushans spoke a language called:
(A) Kushanshahi
(B) Sanskrit
(C) Prakrit
(D) None of the aboveThe Kushans were tolerant of other religions, and allowed:
(A) Buddhism
(B) Hinduism
(C) Zoroastrianism
(D) All of the aboveThe Kushans played a role in the development of:
(A) Indian art and architecture
(B) The Silk Road
(C) Both Indian art and architecture and the Silk Road
(D) Neither Indian art and architecture nor the Silk RoadThe Kushan Empire declined in the:
(A) 1st century CE
(B) 2nd century CE
(C) 3rd century CE
(D) 4th century CEThe Kushan Empire was overthrown by the:
(A) Gupta Empire
(B) Huns
(C) Arabs
(D) None of the aboveThe Kushans were a major force in the development of:
(A) Central Asia
(B) The Indian subcontinent
(C) Both Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent
(D) Neither Central Asia nor the Indian subcontinent