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Introduces a crucial period of world history when the vast exchange network of the Silk Roads connected most of Eurasia.
The book tries to reconstruct the history of imperial Kushanas and their age, through a comprehensive study of their coins, inscriptions and archaeological remains. Apart from an extensive analysis of the primary sources, it provides descriptive statements of the scattered archaeological artefacts in a spatial context that enables the reconstruction of various aspects of the history of the Kushanas. This work utilizes 13 maps, 22 tables and 37 plates of Kushana coins and sculptures to enhance understanding on the subject. This would prove to be a useful reference work for scholars and researchers in this field.
1. Introduction. The Kushan Empire was a powerful Central Asian state that existed from the 1st to the 3rd century CE. Kushan Empire was a significant ancient Central Asian state that played a pivotal role in cultural exchange and the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road during its heyday. Here are some key points about Kushanas: A. Origins: The Kushan Empire was founded by the Yuezhi, a nomadic people, who migrated from western China to Central Asia. They eventually settled in the region of Bactria, which is present-day Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. Their interactions with various cultures and their support of Buddhism had a lasting impact on the region's history and the Silk Road's legacy. The Yuezhi people faced challenges, including conflicts with neighboring tribes and external invasions. The Yuezhi were instrumental in the spread of Buddhism in Central Asia. Kushan rulers, such as Kanishka the Great, were notable patrons of Buddhism. They convened the Fourth Buddhist Council, which contributed to the development and dissemination of Buddhist doctrines. Under Kushan rule, the Yuezhi played a significant role in shaping the region's culture and history. The Yuezhi's interactions with neighboring cultures, such as the Greeks, Persians, and Indians, facilitated cultural exchange along the Silk Road. This exchange influenced art, religion, and trade across Asia and into the Roman Empire. B. Kanishka the Great: One of the most famous Kushan rulers was Kanishka I, who reigned during the 2nd century CE. He is known for his support of Buddhism and the convening of the Fourth Buddhist Council, which played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road. C. Cultural Exchange: The Kushan Empire was a melting pot of cultures and religions. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and religions between the East and West, connecting regions such as India, China, Persia, and the Roman Empire through the Silk Road trade routes. D. Greco-Buddhist Art: The Kushans are noted for their patronage of art, particularly the development of Greco-Buddhist art. This artistic style blended elements of Greek and Indian art, resulting in distinctive sculptures and coins. E. Decline: The Kushan Empire began to decline in the 3rd century CE due to internal conflicts, external invasions, and the rise of new regional powers. By the mid-3rd century, the empire had fragmented into smaller kingdoms. F. Legacy: Despite its eventual decline, the Kushan Empire left a lasting impact on the cultural and religious history of Central Asia and South Asia. Its support of Buddhism helped spread the religion, and its art and coinage remain important historical artifacts.
This book provides a detailed narrative history of the dynasty and confederation of the Yuezhi, whose migration from western China to the northern border of present-day Afghanistan resulted ultimately in the creation of the Kushan Empire. Although the Yuezhi have long been recognised as the probable ancestors of the Kushans, they have generally only been considered as a prelude to the principal subject of Kushan history, rather than as a significant and influential people in their own right. The evidence seemed limited and ambiguous, but is actually surprisingly extensive and detailed and certainly sufficient to compile a comprehensive chronological political history of the Yuezhi during the first millennium BCE. The book analyses textual, numismatic and archaeological evidence in an attempt to explain the probable origin of the Yuezhi, their relationship with several Chinese dynasties, their eventual military defeat and expulsion from the Gansu by the Xiongnu, their migration through the Ili Valley, Ferghana and Sogdia to northern Bactria, and their role in the conquest of the former Greco-Bactria state. All of these events were bound up with broader cultural and political developments in ancient Central Asia and show the extraordinary interconnectedness of the Eurasian historical processes. The domino-effect of the migration of the Yuezhi led to significant changes in the broader Eurasian polity.
Volume 1 of this UNESCO multi-volume series traces the history of man in this vast region from the Palaeolithic beginnings to circa 700 BC, when the foundations of the Achaemenian Empire were laid. The earliest history of man is evidenced and the food producing areas of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and the Indus Valley explored. The Bronze Age and the first signs of urbanization from the Indus to the Oxus are described as is the development of the nomadic pastoral tribes, such as the Aryans, whose history can be seen in proper perspective through archaeological evidence now available. A comprehensive first instalment for any enthusiast interested in the history and development of Asia.
"This volume is an outcome of the International Seminar entitled, 'Kushan Glory and Its Contemporary Challenges', which was organized by the Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India), between October 3 and 5, 2008" (p. ix).