history of the Kanishka (78 – 120 A.D.)

Kanishka (78 – 120 A.D.)

Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana
dynasty. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78
A.D. He was not only a great conqueror but also a patron of religion
and art.

.Kanishka’s Conquests

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. 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. During the first expedition he was defeated

by the Chinese general Pancho. He undertook a second expedition

in which he was successful and he scored a victory over Panyang,

the son of Pancho. Kanishka annexed the territories of Kashgar,

Yarkand and Khotan into his empire.

The empire of Kanishka was a vast one extending from

Gandhara in the west to Benares in the east, and from Kashmir in

the north to Malwa in the south. His capital was Purushapura or

modern day Peshawar. Mathura was another important city in his

empire.

Kanishka and Buddhism

Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign.

However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also

Greek and Hindu gods. It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards

other religions. In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism

came into vogue. It is different in many respects from the religion

taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came

to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thusimage worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.

Kanishka also sent missionaries to Central Asia and China

for the propagation of the new faith. Buddhist chaityas and viharas

were built in different places. He patronised Buddhist scholars like

Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. He also convened the Fourth

Buddhist Council to discuss matters relating to Buddhist theology

and doctrine. It was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagar

in Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra. About 500 monks

attended the Council. The Council prepared an authoritative

commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given

final shape. Asvagosha was a great philosopher, poet and dramatist.

He was the author of Buddhacharita. Nagarjuna from south India

adorned the court of Kanishka. The famous physician of ancient

India Charaka was also patronized by him.