Kusana dynasty (or Kushan dynasty)

Northern Indian family ruling between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, descended from the Yüeh-chih dynasty. The greatest Kusana king was Kaniska (ruled c. 78–102). A devout Buddhist and liberal patron of the arts, he extended the empire across central and eastern India. In decline by 176, the dynasty was overthrown by the Sassanians in about 240.

An Indo-European-speaking nomadic people of central Asian descent, the Kusana were forced from China when the Great Wall was extended to the west by the Han dynasty. Under chief Kujula Kadphises (reigned 15–55), one group of Kusanas secured control over northwestern India, establishing a capital city at Purushapura (modern Peshawar).