Achievements of Kanishka.
Achievements of Kanishka.
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Kanishka's Accession to the Throne:
There are differences of opinion among historians regarding the date of Kanishka's accession to the throne. For example:
(i) According to Fleet, Kanishka reigned before the Kadphises kings and was the founder of the Shaka era of 58 AD.
(ii) The influence of Roman coinage is noticeable in Kanishka's coins, and these coins were introduced in the first century AD. There is no doubt that the Kadphises kings introduced gold coins in imitation of Roman coins. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that Kanishka ascended the throne after the Kadphises kings.
(iii) According to Bhandarkar, Kanishka ascended the throne in 278 AD.
(iv) According to Marshall and Smith, Kanishka ascended the throne in 125 AD.
(v) However, the opinions of historians like Thomas and Rapson, Dr. B.N. Mukherjee, etc., are more acceptable. According to them, Kanishka ascended the throne in 78 AD and introduced an era. This era is known as the 'Shaka era'.
1. Expansion of the Empire:
At the time of Kanishka's accession to the throne, Afghanistan, a large part of Sindh, Punjab, and parts of Parthia and Bactria were part of the Kushan Empire. Kanishka conquered many kingdoms and became the ruler of a vast empire. He conquered Kashmir and incorporated it into his empire. From Kalhana's Rajatarangini, it is known that he founded a city called Kanishkapura in Kashmir.
According to Chinese and Tibetan legends, Kanishka attacked Magadha and captured Pataliputra.
From Kanishka's coins, it is known that his kingdom extended up to Ghazipur and Gorakhpur. Kanishka also defeated the king of Parthia.
From the accounts of Xuanzang, it is known that Gandhara was part of Kanishka's kingdom and his capital was Purushapura or Peshawar.
2. War with China:
Outside of India, Kanishka also waged war against the Chinese empire. He conquered Kashgar, Khotan, and Yarkand, which were part of Turkestan. However, during the reign of the Chinese emperor Ho-Ti, Kanishka was defeated by the Chinese general Pan-Chao. Some time later, Kanishka attacked the Chinese empire to avenge this humiliation and brought one of the Chinese emperor's sons to his kingdom as a hostage. This incident is mentioned in the accounts of Xuanzang.
3. Conversion to Buddhism and Religious Tolerance:
According to Buddhist texts, Kanishka was a follower of Buddhism. Before this, he believed in many gods and goddesses. Evidence of this can be found in his earlier issued coins. He probably converted to Buddhism shortly after his ascension to the throne, as images of Buddha are found on his later coins. According to many, Kanishka converted to Buddhism due to the influence of the Buddhist philosopher Ashvaghosha.
Even after adopting Buddhism, Kanishka was respectful of other religions. Images of Greek and Persian deities can be seen depicted on his coins.
4. Patronage and Spread of Buddhism:
Kanishka renovated old Buddhist monasteries and established many new Buddhist viharas (monasteries). He also spent a large amount of money on the upkeep of Buddhist monks. He established a massive Buddhist monastery in Peshawar. This monastery became a major center of Buddhist culture during that era.
Under Kanishka's patronage, Buddhism spread to Central Asia and China. He was a great patron of Gandhara art. During his reign, sculptors and painters contributed to the spread of Buddhism.
5. Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism: Fourth or Last Buddhist Council :-
During Kanishka's time, the Buddhist community was divided into two sects: Mahayana and Hinayana. Kanishka convened the Fourth or Last Buddhist Council in Gandhara or Jalandhar. Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha presided over this council. In this assembly, Buddhist texts were reviewed, and numerous commentaries were prepared on the Tripitaka. These are collectively known as the "Mahavibhashya." The Mahavibhashya is an invaluable resource regarding Buddhist philosophy.
6. Patronage of Art and Literature: Gandhara art :-
Kanishka was a great patron of art and literature. Many excellent books were written during his reign. Many scholars resided in his court, such as Ashvaghosha, the author of "Buddhacharita," the scientist Nagarjuna, and Charaka, among others. It was during this era that intellectually rich works such as Buddhacharita, Sutra-alankara, Vajrasuchi, and Mahavibhashya were composed. These scholars and their works brought about a new era in the field of literature.
During Kanishka's reign, art and architecture reached the pinnacle of excellence. This period witnessed a remarkable fusion of Greek, Roman, and Buddhist art, which is known as "Gandhara art." The architectural and sculptural remains found in the valleys of the Amaravati and Krishna rivers, the headless statue of Kanishka found in Mathura, and cities like Kanishkapura near Taxila and Kashmir are considered prime examples of the architecture and sculpture of that era.
7. Establishment of Political Unity:
Kanishka's empire extended from Khorasan in the west to Bihar in the east, and from Khotan in the north to Konkan in the south. Before Kanishka, no Indian ruler had ever extended their empire over such a vast region of Central Asia. Furthermore, Kanishka eliminated the political uncertainty that had arisen after the fall of the Mauryan Empire and established political unity and integrity over a large part of India.
8. Expansion of Indian Culture Abroad:
Kanishka completed the unfinished work of Ashoka. As a result of his conquests outside India, Indian civilization and culture spread to Central and East Asia. Under Kanishka's patronage, Mahayana Buddhism spread to Tibet, China, and Japan. Despite ethnic and national differences, economic and cultural ties were established between India and Central Asia.
In conclusion, it can be said that Kanishka eliminated the political anarchy that had prevailed in India after the fall of the Mauryan Empire and established a unified empire. Furthermore, under Kanishka's leadership, contemporary India reached the pinnacle of excellence in all fields, including art, literature, and religion.
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