​The Kushan emperor Kanishka, who ruled from the late first to the early/mid-second century AD was the ____________ Kushan ruler.

Correct option is A

​The correct answer is (a) third

Explanation:

Kanishka, one of the most famous rulers of the Kushan dynasty, is traditionally considered the third ruler of the Kushan Empire. He succeeded his father Vima Kadphises and expanded the empire significantly, covering large parts of India, Central Asia, and China.

Information Booster:

Kushan Empire

• Powerful Central Asian empire (1st–3rd centuries CE).
• Key role in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
• Contemporary to Western Satraps (Sakas), Satavahanas, and early Gupta rulers.

Origins & Expansion

• Descendants of Yuezhi, originally ruling parts of Central Asia and North India.
• Conquered Bactria (2nd century BCE) and later unified under Kujula Kadphises.
• Expanded from Bactria to Kabul, Gandhara, Indus basin, and the Gangetic region.
• Rulers adopted the title Devaputra ("Son of God").
• Kalhana's Rajatarangini mentions their patronage of Buddhism.

Famous Rulers & Achievements

1. Kujula Kadphises (Kadphises I)
• Founder of the Kushan Empire, displaced the Sakas.
• Occupied Kabul Valley, minted Roman-style copper coins.
• Titles: ‘Dharmathida’ & ‘Sachadharmathida’ (Buddhist influence).
2. Vima Kadphises (Kadphises II)
• Expanded east to Mathura and took Gandhara from the Parthians.
• Issued gold coins, titled "Lord of the Whole World".
• Follower of Shaivism.
3. Kanishka the Great (Most Powerful Ruler)
• Ruled Central Asia to North India, conquered Kashmir.
• Patron of Buddhism, associated with Vasumitra, Asvagosha, and Nagarjuna.
• Convened 4th Buddhist Council in Kashmir, leading to Hinayana-Mahayana split.
• Capitals: Mathura & Purushapura (Peshawar).
• Defeated Panyang (China) in second expedition.
• Rabatak Inscription records his ancestry.
4. Huvishka
• Expanded the empire further.
• Promoted Buddhism and Zoroastrianism.
• Built monasteries and stupas.
5. Vasudeva I
• Faced internal conflicts and territorial decline.