Buddhism experienced significant growth during the reign of the Kushan Empire, a powerful dynasty that ruled parts of Central and South Asia from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. The most famous Kushan ruler was King Kanishka. He ruled in the 2nd century CE and strongly supported Buddhism. Kanishka built many Buddhist monasteries and stupas. One of Kanishka’s most important contributions was organizing a Buddhist council.

The Kushans supported both Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism became especially popular during this time. Buddhist art flourished under Kushan rule. The Gandhara school of art developed during this period. Sculptures and paintings from Gandhara showed scenes from the Buddha’s life. The Kushans also supported the translation of Buddhist texts.

Buddhist merchants travelled along the Silk Road. The Kushans practised various Indian, Iranian, and Greek religious traditions. Education was another way Buddhism spread. Kushan rulers supported Buddhist universities, the most famous of which was Nalanda in India. Students from all over Asia came to study at these centres. When they returned home, they took Buddhist teachings with them.

It is estimated that some of these Buddhist communities grew into major Buddhist centres over the years. These centres attracted people from near and far, becoming centres of study and worship and providing refuge for those in need. It is believed that many schools of thought emerged under the Kushan Empire, which, along with other factors, contributed to the spread of Buddhism. Earlier, Buddhist teachings were mainly passed down orally. However, under the Kushan Empire, Buddhist teachings began to be documented in written form. This transition allowed for more consistent and widespread dissemination of the teachings. It also helped preserve the teachings for future generations, ensuring their survival and influence.

During the reign of the Kushans, many Buddhist monuments were built, including giant Buddha statues, the most famous of which was the Bamiyan Buddha in Afghanistan. Some of these monuments depicted images of Buddha as well as their names. These images were meant to spread the teachings of Buddhism and encourage pilgrimage. The Bamiyan Buddha was estimated to be 175 feet high and was the most giant standing Buddha statue in the world before it was destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Buddhist culture continued to spread throughout the region during the Kushan Empire. The foundations laid during that period allowed the religion to flourish in the later centuries, mainly due to the support it received under the Kushan Empire. Notable Buddhist sites from the Kushan period include the ancient city of Taxila, which became a significant centre of learning and pilgrimage. Additionally, the Bamiyan Valley, with its colossal Buddha statues, and the Gandhara region, known for its distinctive Greco-Buddhist art, were significant cultural and religious hubs.

Because of their tolerant policies and strategic location, Buddhism was also able to expand throughout the region. Because of the legacy left behind by this period, Buddhism has remained a part of Asia for hundreds of years. Many cultures have adopted Buddhism, and it has become an integral part of Asian culture. It has provided an ethical framework for many Asian countries and has had a lasting influence on their social development.