Decline of kushana empire-

After the death of Vasudeva I in 225, the Kushan empire split into western and eastern halves. The Western Kushans (in Afghanistan) were soon subjugated by the Persian Sassanid Empire and lost Bactria and other territories. In 248 they were defeated again by the Persians, who deposed the Western dynasty and replaced them with Persian vassals known as the Kushanshas (or Indo-Sassanids).

The Eastern Kushan kingdom was based in the Punjab. Around 270 their territories on the Gangetic plain became independent under local dynasties such as the Yaudheyas. Kushan empire had started its decline soon after Vasudeva's death. Vasudeva was followed by his son (?) Kanishka II who lost all the territories west of river Indus to Sassanians. Vasudeva II, Vashishka, and Shaka are the kings who followed after the Kanisha II. After Vashishka the Kushan empire had completly disintegrated into few small kingdoms. By fourth century AD this dynasty went into total obscurity with advent of mighty Gupta emperors.

In 360 a Kushan vassal named Kidara overthrew the old Kushan dynasty and established the Kidarite Kingdom. The Kushan style of Kidarite coins indicates they considered themselves Kushans. The Kidarite seem to have been rather prosperous, although on a smaller scale than their Kushan predecessors. These remnants of the Kushan empire were ultimately wiped out in the 5th century by the invasions of the Hephthalites, and later the expansion of Islam.

Hence it can be concluded saying that the Kushana Empire had brought about a lot of positive changes in the Indian subcontinent but finally the glory of the Kushana dynasty declined due to an ineffective governance.

Other reason of Fall of kushana empireLoss in Trade Foreign military invasions were not the only problem. The Kushan merchants were losing trade with Rome. Competition from South Indian traders was a major reason. Coastal parts of South India, such as Kerala, were increasing their commerce and trading very much with Rome. For example, Kerala was exporting many textiles.

Weak successers These are the main Kushan rulers who came after Vasudeva I:

Kanishka II 225-240 A.D. Vashishka 240-250 A.D. Kanishka III 255-275 A.D. Vasudeva 290-310 A.D. Shaka 325-345 A.D. Kipunda 350-375 A.D.

During the reign of Kanishka II, the Sassanian Persians invaded Bactria and northern India. This cost the Kushans a substantial amount of land. Around 270 A.D. they lost territory on the Gangetic plain.