Kanishka And Spread Of Mahayana Buddhism

Exam-Oriented Q&A

Q1: When did Kanishka reign and what era did he inaugurate?
A1: Kanishka reigned from c. 78 to 144 CE and inaugurated the Shaka era starting in 78 CE.

Q2: Which council did he convene and why was it significant?
A2: He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana (c. 100 CE) to compile the Mahayana canon in Sanskrit and unify Buddhist schools.

Q3: Name two scholars at Kanishka’s court and their contributions.
A3: Nagarjuna systematized Mahayana philosophy; Asvaghosa wrote Sanskrit Buddhist poetry and chronicles.

Q4: How did Kanishka’s patronage affect Buddhist art?
A4: He sponsored Gandhara artists who fused Greek artistic techniques with Buddhist themes, producing iconic Bodhisattva statues.

Q5: What role did the Kushan Empire play in spreading Mahayana Buddhism?
A5: Controlling Silk Road routes, Kushans facilitated missionary networks that carried Mahayana teachings into Central Asia and China.