Kushan Empire

The Kushan Empire was founded in the 1st century AD by Kadphisus I. The most powerful king of this dynasty was Kanishka, who ruled from 78 to 120 AD. He made 'Purushapuram' (present-day Peshawar) his capital and expanded his empire to Afghanistan and Bactria. Within India, Punjab, Sindh, Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh came under Kanishka's control. The ruins of buildings built by Kanishka in Purushpuram, Takshashila and Mathura can still be seen. Kanishka started the Saka era in 78 AD. The first month of the Saka era is Chaitra and the last month is Phalguna. The Kushans were the first to introduce gold coins in India. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during Kanishka's reign. Kanishka was the first king to engrave the image of the Buddha on coins. Scholars like Nagarjuna, Ashwaghosha, Vasumitra, Charaka, and Sushruta graced the court of Kanishka.