Kushan Dynasty and Roman Trade in Post-Mauryan India

The adoption of titles like 'Devaputra' (Son of God) by Kushana kings clearly indicates the assumption of divine kingship. The use of high-sounding titles was a common practice to assert authority, but the specific mention of 'Devaputra' is the primary indicator of divine status.

The Kushanas are well-known for issuing a wide variety of coins, including gold, silver, and copper, which facilitated trade across their vast empire.

Kanishka ruled from Purushpura (city of men) or modern-day Peshawar in pakistan. The Kushana king had two capitals. Purushpura was his summer capital and the second one was Mathura. 

Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I or Girnar rock inscription was written in pure Sanskrit. It's entirely in prose form.

Saka era was started by King Kanishka of Kushan empire. Kanishka was the greatest king of the Kushan dynasty that ruled over the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and possibly areas of Central Asia north of the Kashmir region. The Śaka era (AD 78), now used throughout India, is the most important of all. It has been used not only in many Indian inscriptions but also in ancient Sanskrit inscriptions in Indochina and Indonesia. 

Vimakadphisus was the son of Kujula Kadiphses (founder of Kushan dynasty). He conquered the whole of northwestern India and issued gold coins with the title "Lord of the whole world."

The founder of the Kushan dynasty was Kujala Kadphises. He was the first Yueh Chi chief who crossed the Hindukush Mountains and laid down the foundation of the Kushana Empire. His successor was Vima Kadphises who conquered a large part of north India. The coins of Kadphises show that his authority extended up to Banaras and also till Indus basin. 

Kushanas were originally from Central Asia. They first came to Bacteria, displaced Sakas and then occupied the Gandhara region. They were great patrons of Gandhara art of sculpture.

The fourth Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of Kanishka in Kashmir in 72 AD. It was conducted to systematize the Sarvastivadin Abhidharma texts, which were translated from earlier Prakrit vernacular languages into the classical language of Sanskrit. This council distinctly divided the Buddhism into 2 sects Mahayana and Hinayana.

No authentic Romans-era coins have been found in China that means if trade between ancient Rome and China occurred, it occurred with in a network of transactions that separated the circulation of Roman coins from the transfer of silk from China to Rome. The exchange gold for silk between Rome and China could be seen. 

The Silk route or silk road refers to a network of ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. The silk route was majorly used to transport Chinese silk to Europe through Central Asia. Marco Polo witnessed the grandeur of Chinese civilisation travelled through the Silk route.

The Indus Valley Civilization engaged in extensive trade with Mesopotamia and other regions. Similarly, the Satavahana era saw significant maritime trade between South India and the Roman Empire, proving long-standing external contacts.

The discovery of the monsoon winds by Hippalus allowed sailors to navigate the Indian Ocean more efficiently, drastically reducing travel time and enabling regular, large-scale trade between India and the Roman Empire.

The silk route refers to a network of ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Extending more than 6,500 km, the silk route was majorly used to transport Chinese silk to Europe through Central Asia from 2nd Century BC. Although it was used to trade in different commodities from salt to gold also but the major one was silk. 

Archaeological excavations at Arikamedu (near Puducherry), Alagangulam (Tamil Nadu), and Kodungallur (Kerala) have yielded significant evidence of Roman pottery, coins, and artifacts, confirming trade links.