Kanishka, also known as Kanishka the Great, was a sovereign of the Kushan Empire who ruled from his capital at Purushapura in Gandhar.

Kanishka’s rule is famous for the development of the Silk Road and the spread of Mahayana Buddhism to China. Earlier scholars believed that Kanishka ascended the Kushan throne in 78 CE, and that this date was used as the beginning of the Saka calendar era.

For further reading check the following articles:

• Prehistoric Age in India
• Kushan Empire
• Prehistoric Rock Paintings