King Kanishka was a renowned ruler of which Indian dynasty?

📖 Explanation:

King Kanishka was one of the greatest rulers of the Kushan Dynasty (कुषाण वंश).

He ruled during the 2nd century CE (around 127–150 CE) and is considered the most powerful Kushan emperor.

👑 About Kushan Dynasty

• Founder of Kushan Empire: Kujula Kadphises

• Capital during Kanishka’s time:

  • Purushapura (modern Peshawar)

  • Also Mathura was an important center.

• Kushans originally came from Central Asia (Yuezhi tribe).

🛕 Kanishka and Buddhism

🔹 Kanishka was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism.
🔹 He organized the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvana (Kashmir).
🔹 During his reign, Buddhism spread to:

• Central Asia

• China

• Korea and Japan (later)

Because of his support, he is sometimes called the “Second Ashoka.”

Extra Facts (Important for Exams)

🔸 Kanishka Era:

• He started a new era known as the Shaka Era (78 CE)
  (Note: Sometimes linked with him in exams)

🔸 Coins:

• His coins had images of:

  • Greek gods

  • Persian gods

  • Indian gods

• Shows religious tolerance.

🔸 Gandhara Art:

• Flourished during Kushan period.

• First time Buddha’s image was made in human form.

• Influenced by Greek art style.

❌ Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Shaka (शक) – Different Central Asian rulers.

• Satavahana (सातवाहन) – Ruled mainly in Deccan region.

• Indo-Greek (हिंद-यूनानी) – Greek rulers in north-west India before Kushans.