CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF KUSHANS Progress of Literature: Great patrons of learning and literature Many scholars of Sanskrit language were patronized Kushans foreigners >> made sanskrit as state language Created congenial atmosphere of royal patronage for the production of Sanskrit literature Inscription also written in Sanskrit Ashvagosha: Pioneer of literary awakening greatest scholar of time of Kanishka >> well versed in philosophy, music, literature, religion and debate :: owing to his versatile abilities 4 th Buddhist council was held in Kashmirduring the reign of Kanishka Books of Ashvagosha Buddhacharitha, Saundaranand, Sariputra Prakarana, Vajrasuchi Buddhacharitha imp poetic composition of Buddhism Nagarjuna: Great scholar and philosopher Known as the best exponent of Mahayanism or new theory of Buddhism Book Prajna Parmita Sutra >> unique book on philosophy and science Explained Theory of relativity: called as Indian Einstein Vasumitra: Vasumitra Buddhist theologist Kanishka convened the 4th buddhist council under the presidentship of Vasumitra Compiled Mahavibhasa Shastra valuable book on Buddhist philosophy Charak: Charak reputed royal physician in the court of Kanishka Celebrated author of Ayurvedic science Book Charak samhitha: unique work on Ayurvedic science Religion: Followed the policy of religious toleration People attained religious freedom Embrace any religion according to their own will Kanishka embraced Buddhism > gave royal patronage to Mahayana Buddhism Never compelled anybody to follow any particular sect Most important event Birth of Mahayanism >> Remarkable change in the fundamental principles of Buddhism People made statues of Buddha and worshipped him as God Buddhism spread to foreign countries China, Tibet, Japan, Central Asia Kushan period Era of religious awakening Remarkable progress in the domain of religion Development of Art: Great patrons of Art Kanishka keen interest in the art of architecture Laid foundations of the towns Purushpur, Kanishkapur Beautiful buildings and viharas Alberuni very much influenced to see the vihara Stupas and Viharas were built by Kushan rulers in a large number >> supported by Hieun Tsang The Gandhara School of Sculpture:Most significant feature of Kushan period Main centre of Art territory of Gandhara :: NW frontier >> called as Gandhara school of art Mahayanism >> responsible for the growth of this art Main theme of Gandhara Art Mahayanism Gandhara art lively commentary on the life and deeds of Lord Buddha Other Contributions: The great tower at Peshawar 400 ft high was chiefly made of wood and constructed under the supervision of a Greek engineer Agesilaos Kanishka built a tower near Taxila Images of Bodhisattvas began to be erected in Gandhara style At Mathura, we have a headless image of Kanishka in which he is represented in the uniform of a warrior