Kanshika And Budhism – iTopper IAS Academy

Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign
He was tolerant towards other religions. His coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also Greek and Hindu gods
In the age of Kanishka, the Mahayana Buddhism came into vogue and image worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism
He sent missionaries to Central Asia and China for the propagation and also built Buddhist chaityas and viharas at different places
He also convened the Fourth Buddhist Council which was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagar in Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra
The Council prepared an authoritative commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given final shape
He patronised Buddhist scholars like
- Vasumitra
- Asvaghosha- a great philosopher, poet and dramatist. He was the author of Buddhacharita
- Nagarjuna from South India
- Charaka- the famous physician of ancient India