The Kushans in Kashmir is an important topic in the Ancient History of Kashmir. Questions related to Kanishka, the Fourth Buddhist Council, Mahayana Buddhism, Hushka, Jushka, Kanishkapur, and the Silk Route are frequently asked in JKSSB, JKPSC, JK Police, JK Bank, JK High Court, and other Jammu and Kashmir competitive examinations.

This article explains all the important facts about the Kushans in Kashmir which will be very helpful for all kinds of Exams.

Origin of the Kushans

The Kushans belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.

Important facts

• The Kushans belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.
• They occupied Kashmir in 1 AD.

This is an important factual point for competitive examinations.

Kanishka and Kashmir

The most important Kushan ruler associated with Kashmir was Kanishka.

Important facts

• Kanishka succeeded Kadphises in 78 AD.
• During his reign, Mahayana Buddhism developed and flourished.
• Kashmir became an important centre of Buddhist learning and culture.

Connection with the Silk Route

Kanishka linked Kashmir with the Silk Route.

This connection increased:

• Trade
• Cultural exchange
• Religious contacts
• Economic development

The Silk Route helped Kashmir become connected with different regions of Asia.

Fourth Buddhist Council

One of the most important events of Kanishka’s reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council.

Important facts

• The council was held at Kundalvan near Harwan in Kashmir.
• It was held in 72 BC during Kanishka’s reign.
• The council was presided over by Vasumitra.
• Ashvaghosha served as his vice deputy.

Division of Buddhism

According to the source:

• Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects during this council.

This is a very important examination point.

Kanishka’s sons

The book mentions three sons of Kanishka:

• Hushka
• Jushka
• Kanishka

These rulers are associated with the establishment of important towns in Kashmir.

Towns established by the Kushans

According to the source:

• Hushka built Hushkapur.
• Jushka built Jushkapur.
• Kanishka built Kanishkapur.

These towns are important factual questions in JKSSB and JKPSC examinations.

Trushka Kings

Kalhana referred to these Kushan rulers as the Trushka Kings.

This is an important historical reference from the examination point of view.

Importance of the Kushans in Kashmir

The Kushans played a major role in:

• The spread of Mahayana Buddhism.
• The growth of Buddhist institutions.
• The development of trade through the Silk Route.
• The establishment of important urban centres in Kashmir.

Their rule made Kashmir an important cultural and religious centre.

Quick revision table

Topic	Important Fact
Origin of Kushans	Yuechi tribe of Central Asia
Occupation of Kashmir	1 AD
Greatest Kushan ruler	Kanishka
Kanishka’s accession	78 AD
Main religious development	Mahayana Buddhism
Trade connection	Silk Route
Fourth Buddhist Council	Kundalvan near Harwan
Council president	Vasumitra
Vice deputy	Ashvaghosha
Buddhist division	Mahayana and Hinayana
Hushka	Built Hushkapur
Jushka	Built Jushkapur
Kanishka	Built Kanishkapur
Kalhana’s term	Trushka Kings

Important facts for JKSSB & JKPSC

• The Kushans belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.
• They occupied Kashmir in 1 AD.
• Kanishka succeeded Kadphises in 78 AD.
• Mahayana Buddhism developed during Kanishka’s reign.
• Kanishka connected Kashmir with the Silk Route.
• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvan near Harwan.
• The council was presided over by Vasumitra.
• Ashvaghosha was the vice deputy.
• Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
• Hushka built Hushkapur.
• Jushka built Jushkapur.
• Kanishka built Kanishkapur.
• Kalhana called them the Trushka Kings.

Conclusion

The Kushans made an important contribution to the ancient history of Kashmir. Under Kanishka, Kashmir became a major centre of Mahayana Buddhism, Buddhist scholarship, and Silk Route trade. The Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvan, the role of Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha, and the towns founded by Hushka, Jushka, and Kanishka are the most important examination points for JKSSB, JKPSC, JK Police, JK Bank, JK High Court, and other Jammu and Kashmir competitive examinations.

Important MCQ’S on Kushans in Kashmir for all Competitive Exams

Q1. Which of the following statements correctly describe the origin and establishment of the Kushans in Kashmir?

1. The Kushans belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.
2. They occupied Kashmir in 1 AD.
3. They were originally a dynasty from South India.
4. Their rule played an important role in the development of Kashmir.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 4 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following statements correctly describe Kanishka’s rule in Kashmir?

1. Kanishka succeeded Kadphises in 78 AD.
2. Mahayana Buddhism developed during his reign.
3. Kashmir became an important centre of Buddhist learning and culture.
4. He belonged to the Karkota Dynasty.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q3. Which of the following statements correctly explain the importance of the Silk Route during Kanishka’s reign?

1. Kashmir became connected with international trade routes.
2. Cultural exchange increased.
3. Religious contacts expanded.
4. Economic development was encouraged.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q4. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Fourth Buddhist Council ?

1. It was held at Kundalvan near Harwan in Kashmir.
2. It was held during the reign of Kanishka.
3. Vasumitra presided over the council.
4. Ashvaghosha served as the vice deputy.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q5. Which of the following statements correctly describe the religious significance of the Fourth Buddhist Council?

1. Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
2. The council strengthened Buddhist scholarship in Kashmir.
3. Kashmir became an important centre of Buddhist learning during the Kushan period.
4. The council was held during the reign of Ashoka.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q6. Match List I with List II.

List I

1. Hushka
2. Jushka
3. Kanishka

List II

a. Kanishkapur

b. Hushkapur

c. Jushkapur

A) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a

B) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b

C) 1-a, 2-b, 3-c

D) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c

Answer: A

Q7. Which of the following statements correctly describe the towns established by the Kushan rulers?

1. Hushka built Hushkapur.
2. Jushka built Jushkapur.
3. Kanishka built Kanishkapur.
4. These towns became important centres in Kashmir.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q8. Kalhana referred to the Kushan rulers by which of the following names?

A) Nagas

B) Trushka Kings

C) Gonanda Kings

D) Utpala Kings

Answer: B

Q9. Which of the following statements correctly summarize the contribution of the Kushans to Kashmir?

1. They promoted Mahayana Buddhism.
2. They strengthened trade through the Silk Route.
3. They established important urban centres.
4. They helped in the growth of Buddhist institutions.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q10. Which of the following statements correctly summarize the Kushan period in Kashmir?

1. The Kushans belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.
2. Kanishka’s reign was associated with the development of Mahayana Buddhism.
3. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvan near Harwan.
4. Kalhana called the Kushan rulers the Trushka Kings.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D