The Greeks in Bactria and India c10.s7.4

c10.s7.4

As in this chapter I shall sometimes have to refer to Kanishka and other Kushan kings, it may be convenient to some readers to have an indication of the dating. The five Kushan kings (or principal kings) in order are Kujula Kadphises I, Wima Kadphises II, Kanishka, Huvishka, Vasudeva. The reign of Kujula, the conqueror of the Paropamisadae, is from somewhere after A.D. 25, the date at which the Hou-han-shu begins, to c. A.D. 50. Professor F. W. Thomas tells me that his chronology in the Cambridge History of India for the next two reigns will be Wima (the conqueror of Northern India) c. 50 to 78 (the so-called Saca Era),¹ Kanishka 78 to c. 103. The date of Kanishka’s accession has been one of the most disputed points in history, four theories having found support:² the Vikrama Era, 58 B.C.;³ A.D. 78; c. A.D. 100; second century A.D. To-day the question seems to lie between 78 and 128 (Dr Sten Konow’s date).⁴ I do not believe in 128 myself; even if it should turn out that, as some believe, 78 is a Malva Era (see p. 335) and not the Era of Kanishka by which the later Kushans dated, that would not make Kanishka second century. To avoid begging questions I generally (after Kujula) refer to reigns, not dates.