CLASS - VI
SUBJECT –Social Studies
TOPIC- Kings and Kingdoms
D-II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070
SESSION 2024--25
The Kushanas
Geography
The Kushan Empire was a powerful Central Asian empire that existed from the 1st to the 3rd century CE. It
encompassed regions of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Northern India. The Kushan Empire was a
major political and cultural force in ancient Central Asia, known for its significant contributions to trade, art,
and architecture.
Introduction to the Kushan Empire
The rulers of the Kushan empire were a branch of the Yeuchi tribe belonging to Central Asia. They were the
nomadic people from the steppers who were living in the neighborhood of China. They first displaced the
Sakas and occupied North Afghanistan.
Kushan Empire Kings
The Kushan empire in India had two successive dynasties. The first dynasty was the house of Chiefs called
Kadphises and they were followed by the house of Kanishka.
Kujula Kadphises (30 CE – 80 CE)
Kujula Kadphises was the Kadphises I. He was the first Kushan ruler who laid the foundation for the Kushan
empire in India. He is regarded as the Kushan Empire founder. Kadphises I established supremacy over
Kabul, Afghanistan and Kandahar. He minted copper coins which were the imitation of Roman coins.
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The coin used during the rule The coins used during the rule
of Kujula Kadphises of Vima Kadphises
Vima Taktu or Sadashkana (80 CE – 95 CE)
The Kushan empire expanded into the northwest region of South Asia under his reign.
Vima Kadphises (95 CE – 127 CE)
He was the Kadphises II. He issued a large number of gold coins during his period. He expanded the Kushan
Kingdom to the East of the Indus.
Kanishka (127 CE – 150 CE)
A sculpture of Kanishka A sculpture of Buddha
Kanishka was the most famous Kushan ruler. He started an era known as Shaka era in 78 CE which is used
now by the Government of India. Purushapura and Mathura were the two capitals of the Kushan empire
during Kanishka’s reign. He ruled over an extensive area from Central Asia to Pataliputra. He was a great
patron of religion and art. Though he followed Buddhism, he was tolerant of all religions.
Administration of the Kushan Empire
Rulers of the Kushan dynasty were known as Sons of God. They introduced the Satrap system of government
in which the entire empire was divided into several satrapies and each of them was placed under a Satrap.
The hereditary dual rule in which two kings ruled at the same time was practiced.
Architecture of the Kushan Empire
The empire, ruled by the Kushan dynasty, witnessed a flourishing of Gandhara art, which blended Persian,
and Indian influences. The Kushans built grand cities and developed a unique architectural style
characterized by the use of stone, stucco, and intricate carvings. The most iconic architectural structures
were the stupas, which served as Buddhist religious monuments.
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Contributions of the Kushan Empire
Kushans were excellent horsemen. They introduced better cavalry in India. Kushans and Shakas introduced
turban, tunics, trousers and heavy long coats. Sanskrit literature began to develop under the reign of the
Kushan dynasty. The silk route was controlled by the rulers of the Kushan empire. It was their major source
of income. They were the first rulers in India to issue a large number of gold coins.
Agriculture was promoted by them. Masons and artists from different parts of the world were brought to the
Kushan empire which in turn gave rise to schools of art such as Mathura, Gandhara and Central Asian. Great
writers such as Ashvagosha, Vasumitra, and Nagarjuna enjoyed the patronage of the Kushan dynasty.
Decline of the Kushan Empire
The successors of Kaniska continued to rule till 230 A.D. By the mid of the third century, Afghanistan and the
area west of the Indus which were under the Kushan empire was taken over by the Sassanian power of Iran.
With the death of the last great ruler Vasudeva I of the dynasty, the entire Kushan empire disintegrated.
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