Kanishka

King of the Kushan state of central Asia (r.c.AD 100- 30) and a patron of Buddhism. Ruled from Peshawar, his kingdom encompassed northern India, Afghanistan and part of central Asia. It provided early contacts that led to the introduction of Buddhism to China. Kanishka was also in contact with the Roman empire, and the Gandhara style of art, which fused Hellenistic and Indian traditions, flourished under his rule. During his reign a Buddhist council was held in Kashmir that led to the formation of Mahayana Buddhism.