(i) The break-up of Mauryan Empire resulted in the invasion of Sakas, Scythians, Parthians, Indo-Greeks of Bactrain Greeks and Kilshanas from the north-west.
(ii) The most important features of the Post - Mauryan period was the growth of trade and commerce, both internally as well as externally.
(iii) These were two major internal land routes in ancient India, ie, Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha.
(iv) The important ports on the western coasts were Sopara and Broach. On easten coast were Arikamedu and Kaveripattinam.
(v) The trade between India and Rome flourished during this period.
(vi) There was constant trade in silk between India and China.
(vii) The Kushanas and the Satvahanas especially benefited from their trade with the Roman Empire.
(viii) India forged trade relations with Java, Sumatra, Malaysia, Burma and China also.

(i) The Gandhara School of Art flourished during his time.
(ii) The most favourite subject of the Gandhara artists was the carving of sculptures of Buddha.
(iii) Both Sakas and Kushanas were patrons of Gandhara School.
(iv) The art of the Gandhara School was primarily Mahayana.
(v) The Mahayana Buddhist learnt the art of the carving out caves from the Greeks and become skilled in rock cut architecture.

The religious policy of Kanishka:
(i) Kanishka was an ardent Buddhist.
(ii) Kanishka's empire was a Buddhist empire
(iii) Kanishka adopted Buddhism under the influence of Asvaghosha, a celebrated monk from Pataliputra
(iv) Though a great warrior and an empire builder, Kanishka was as equal as the exponent and champion of Mahayanism
(v) Kanishka made Buddhism as the state religion and built many stupas and monasterie in Mathura, Taxila and many other Parts of his kingdom
(vi) He sent Buddhist missionaries to Tibet, China and many countries of central Asia for the propagation of buddha's gospel
(vii) He organised the fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana near Srinagar.

1. The Indo - Greek rule in India was ended by the sakas.
2. Sakas as nomads came in huge number and spread all over northern and western India.
3. The Sakas were Scythians, nomadic ancient Iranians and known as sakas in Sanskrit.

1. He was one of the best known Indo-Greek kings.
2. He is said to have ruled a large kingdom in the north-west of the country.
3. His coins were found over an extensive area ranging from Kabul valley and Indus river to western Uttar Pradesh.
4. Menander is believed to have become a Buddhist and promoted Buddhism.