Who founded the Kushan dynasty?

The correct answer is Kujula Kadphises.

• Kujula Kadphises founded the Kushan dynasty.

Key Points

• The Kushanas:
  • The first Kushana dynasty was founded by Kujula Kadphises.
  • Vima Kadphises issued gold coins in India.
  • Kanishka founded the second Kushana dynasty.
  • Their capitals were at Peshawar and Mathura.
  • The most famous Kushana ruler was Kanishka, he was also known as ‘Second Ashoka’.
  • He started an era in 78 AD which is now known as the Saka Era and is used by the Government of India.
  • Kanishka was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • During his reign, the 4th Buddhist Council was held in Kundalavana, Kashmir where the doctrines of the Mahayana form of Buddhism were finalized.
  • The last great Kushana ruler was Vasudeva I.
  • The Kushanas were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins on a wide scale.

Additional Information

• Ashoka was the greatest Mauryan ruler.
• Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Dynasty.
• Harshavardhana was a member of the Vardhana dynasty.