Huvishka
Topic: Post-Mauryan India: Shungas to Kushanas · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Huvishka was a Kushana king who ruled after Kanishka, c. 2nd century CE. His empire covered Central Asia and large parts of north India. He is best known for his coins. They show a very wide range of gods, which reflects the mixed culture of the Kushana empire.
Example
Huvishka's coins show Indian gods such as Skanda (Kumara), the Iranian sun god Mithra and the Greek hero Herakles, among others. Many of his coins and inscriptions have been found at Mathura. This shows that the city was an important Kushana centre.
Don't confuse with
- Kanishka: he was Huvishka's more famous predecessor. Kanishka is known for the title devaputra, Buddhist patronage, and coins showing the Buddha (BOΔΔO). Huvishka came after him and is known mainly for the large number of gods on his coins.
Related concepts
- Kushanas
- Kujula Kadphises
- Vima Kadphises
- Kanishka
- Divine kingship
- Devaputra
- Kanishka's coins
- Rabatak inscription
- Kanishka casket