Foreign invasion of NW India: Shakas, Parthians, Kushanas

Foreign invasion of NW India

Bactrians & Parthians (Iranians) became independent from Syrian (Greek) rule around 300 BC
Around 200 BC, B.C. Demetrius, the Greek ruler of Bactria invaded Afganistan & Punjab & occupied them.
From Taxila he sent his 2 commanders, Appolodotus & Menander for further conquest.
Appolodotus conquered Sindh & marched upto Ujjain
Menander extended his rule upto Mathura & from there attempted to capture Patliputra, but was stopped by Vasumitra (Grandson of Pusyamitra Sunga)
Menander, also called Milinda, formed his capital at Sakala (Sialcot) & took great interest in Buddhism. His dialogues with Buddhist monk Nagsena were compiled in Pali work “Milindpanho” or questions of Milinda.
Milinda, finally embraced Buddhism under Buddhist monk Nagarjuna
A Greek ambassador, Heliodorus, became vaishnavite (Vasudev worshiper mainly) & erected ‘Garuna Pillar’ at Besnagar (Vidisa) – MP
Indo-Greeks were 1^st to issue gold coins in India

Shakas (Iranian Sythians)

Greeks were followed by Scythians (Shakas) who controlled much larger area of India then Greek did. There were 5 branches of Shakas in 5 different directions in India & Afghanistan.
Most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman 1 who ruled not only Sindh but also considerable part of Gujrat, Konkan, Malwa & Kathiawar.
Rudradaman 1 is famous in history for his repair work of Sudarshana Lake at Kathiawar & for issuing 1^st ever long inscription in chase Sanskrit whose he was a lover of

Around 57 B.C, we hear of a king of Ujjain who fought effectively against Shakas & emerged victorious, He called himself ‘Vikramaditya’, by whose name an era Vikram Samvat is reckoned. Henceforth, Vikramaditya became a coveted title & whosoever achieved anything great adopted this title.

Parthians (Pahlavas)

Parthians (Iranians) overthrew Shakas from Taxila around 1^st century.
Most famous Parthian king was Gondopherens, in whose reign St. Thomas is said to have visited India for propagation of Christianity.

Kushanas

Branch of Yuchis or Tocharians tribe from north central Asia basically from neighbourhood of China
They 1^st occupied Bactria or North Afghanistan, displacing Shakas & then gradually moved upto Kabul valley & seized Gandhara by crossing Hindukush range, replacing rule of Greeks & Parthians from these areas.
Finally, they setup their authority over lower Indus basin & Greater part of Ganga basin
Founder of Kushana dynasty was Kadphises 1 who issued coins in Kabul valley in his name.
His son Kadphises 2 issued gold coins with high sounding titles like “Lord of whole world” and spread his kingdom to the east as far as Mathura

Kanishka (78 – 120 AD)

Most important ruler of Kushana dynasty & founder of Shaka era (Starts from 78 AD) used by GOI
He was not only a great conqueror but also extended his whole hearted patronage to Buddhism
He extended Kushana empire upto lower Indus basin (Malwa) & eastward till Magadha in India & setup his capital at Peshawar (Purushaputra)
Kanishka issued a high number of gold coins with high purity & embraced Buddhism whole heartedly.
However, his coin exhibit images of not only Buddha but also of Greek & Hindu gods which reflects that he was tolerant towards other religions
He was a great patron of art & Sanskrit & held 4^th Buddhist council at Kashmir, where doctrine of Mahayana form of Buddhism were finalised
He patronised many Buddhist scholars like Asvagosha (who wrote saundarananda & Budhhacharita → Both in Sanskrit), Nagarjuna & Vasumitra
He also patronised famous physician of Indian history Charka who wrote “ Charaksamhita”
Last important Kushana ruler was Vasudeva who was worshipper of Shiva.

Impact of central Asian Contact

Typical pottery of this age became red ware pottery, Plain & polished
Shakas – Kushanas introduced better cavalry & use of riding horses on large scale along with use of turban, tunic, trousers & longcoats
Kushanas were the 1^st ruler in India to issue gold coins on wide scale & controlled major part of silk trade
Kushanas adopted pompous titles as King of Kings & were called Sons of god like Asoka was called Dear to gods.

Gandhara School of Art

Real patrons of this art were Shaka –Kushana rulers, esp. Kanishka.
This art was a blend of India & Graeco-Roman elements (Mainly in Buddha sculptures) with main theme Mahayanism or new form of Buddhism.
Extensive use of Stucco + Terracotta in small quantity

Mathura School of Art

Famous for headless erect statue of Kanishka with his name inscribed below
Produced Buddha sculptures exhibiting spiritual feeling on his face which was absent in Gandhara school of art
Also produced stone images of Mahavira, Shiva & Vishnu along with their consorts Parvati & Lakshmi. Also carved out female figures of Yakshini & Apsara beautifully
Extensive use of Red Sandstone