Kushans in Kashmir

Much has been already written and said on the Kushan Empire of the subcontinent Historians dealing with ancient history and culture have written several books and papers on this subject. Broadly speaking the kushan empire at other places stands already explored and documented.

However, Kashmir chapter of Kushan period has been left unattended. Like Kabul, Peshawar, Gandhara, Taxsilla, and Muthera, Kashmir also formed a significant province of the Kushan Empire from first century AD to fourth Century A.D. It was in the period of Kanishka that Fourth Buddhist Council was held somewhere in this land. Besides making it an important province, Kushana also made it a permanent political, administrative and cultural seat. They also established their permanent currency mint in it where from the minted coins exclusively for use in Kashmir which were in use up to the period of early Hindu Rajas. Iqbal Ahmad, who is technically qualified in the subject of archaeology besides working in Archaeology Department for last 20 years, has got experience in identifying and deciphering the ancient artifacts. He made extensive surveys and explorations in collecting the information data about Kushans in Kashmir. He could also study the numismatic treasures, archaeological sites and artifacts. It is after this investigation he has written this book titled, Kushans in Kashmir.

The book provides a systematic and in-depth study of Kushan empire with special reference to Kashmir chapter. It is an illustrated work wherein the investigations and results of recent and fresh kushan period archaeological finds of the state. have been incorporated. It is first kind of its work on this subject and the people interested in the history and archaeology of Kushans would definitely find it more interesting.

Iqbal Ahmad, born in Kulgam on 1962, did his Post Graduate Diploma in Numismatics in year 1992 from Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies Nasik, Maharashtra (India). He got training in archaeology, paleography and Epigraphy from institute of Archaeology Red fort Delhi and did many workshops on archaeology conservation. He is working in the Jammu and Kashmir state Archives, Archaeology and Museums Directorate in technical cadre.

Professionally, he is a Senior Archaeologist and Author. He started his writing career in 1985 while contributing articles to various newspapers and journals. He has made several Archaeological and Numismatic discoveries. The Author has written several books on Kashmir Archaeology, heritage and culture. Archaeology is his favorite field of Research wherein he has undertaken the scientific study of archaeological sites and materials.

He has achieved great fame and name in the field of Archaeology researches.

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