Question

Who established the Kushan dynasty?
A. Vema Kadphisees
B. Vasudeva
C. Kanishka
D. Kujula Kadphises

Answer 1

Hint: Kushan dynasty was the syncretic dynasty which means different beliefs and religions combined to form one. The conquest by the ruler who established the Kushan dynasty took place in the period between 30 CE and 60 CE. He was the great grandfather of Kanishka.

Complete answer:The Kushans spread over northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. They were great patrons of Buddhism and Zoroastrianism. They played a vital role in establishing Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent which further spread to Central Asia and China.
The main rulers of the Kushana dynasty were Kujula kadphises who established the Kushana dynasty, Vima Kadphises, Kanishka I, Vasudeva I, Huvishka I, Vima taktu and Vasudeva.
Kujula Kadphises conquest took place between 45 CE and 60 CE which was rapidly expanded by his descendants. Kanishka I was one of the great rulers of the Kushana dynasty who ruled over 23 years and expanded towards all of northern India, south to Ujjain and Kundina, and east beyond Patliputra according to Rabatak inscription.

Looking at the options given:
Option A. Vima Kadphises was the third ruler who was the father of Kanishka I. It is an incorrect option.
Option B. It is seen that Vasudeva was the last of the great Kushanas. It is an incorrect option.
Option C. Famous for his military, political and spiritual achievements, Kanishka the great expanded his empire and started working on trade. He was the son of Vima Kadphises. It is an incorrect option.
Option D. Kujula Kadphises was the one who laid the basis for the Kushan empire. This is the correct answer.

Hence, The correct answer is Option D.

Note: The Kushana dynasty had diplomatic relations with the Roman Empire, Sasanian Empire and the Han dynasty of China and it was at the centre of trade relations between the Roman empire and China.