Which of the given statements is not correct about Kushanas?a)Kushana...
Kujula Kadphises is regarded as founder of Kushana Empire. He amalgamated the five clans of Yue-chi tribe and laid the foundation of unified kushana empire. Kanishka was the most powerful ruler of the Kushana Empire.
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Which of the given statements is not correct about Kushanas?a)Kushana...
Introduction:
The Kushanas were a Central Asian nomadic tribe that ruled over a vast empire in the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. They played a significant role in the history of Central Asia and South Asia, particularly in the areas of trade, religion, and cultural exchange. While most of the given statements about the Kushanas are correct, the statement that Kanishka was the founder of the empire is not accurate.
Explanation:
The correct statement should be that Kadphises I was the founder of the Kushana empire, not Kanishka. Kanishka was one of the most prominent rulers of the Kushana dynasty and played a crucial role in expanding the empire, but he was not the founder.
1. Kadphises I: The Founder of the Kushana Empire
- Kadphises I was the first prominent ruler of the Kushana empire who established the empire around the mid-1st century CE.
- He united various Central Asian tribes and established a powerful empire that extended from Central Asia to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent.
2. Kanishka: The Prominent Kushana Ruler
- Kanishka, who ruled from around 78 to 101 CE, was one of the most important rulers of the Kushana dynasty.
- He further expanded the empire and made significant contributions to the fields of art, culture, and religion.
- Kanishka's reign is known for the promotion of Buddhism and the convening of the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
3. Control over the Silk Route
- The Kushanas had a significant influence over the Silk Route, which was an ancient network of trade routes connecting China, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean region.
- They controlled key points along the Silk Route and facilitated trade between East and West, which brought immense wealth and prosperity to the empire.
4. Major Centers of Power: Peshawar and Mathura
- Peshawar, located in present-day Pakistan, was a major center of Kushana power in the western region of their empire.
- Mathura, situated in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, was a significant center of Kushana influence in the eastern part of their empire.
- Both cities were important cultural and trade hubs during the Kushana period.
5. Issuance of Gold Coins
- The Kushanas were known for their extensive coinage, particularly gold coins.
- These coins, often adorned with images of rulers, deities, and mythological figures, served as a means of showcasing their power and facilitating trade.
- Kushana gold coins have been found in various regions, indicating the extent of their influence and economic activity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the Kushanas did have control over the Silk Route, Peshawar and Mathura were major centers of their power, and they issued gold coins, the statement that Kanishka was the founder of the empire is not correct. Kadphises I was the founder of the Kushana empire, and Kanishka was one of its most prominent rulers who significantly expanded the empire and made important contributions to its cultural and religious development.
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