Discovery of the Rabatak Inscription

The Rabatak inscription is a crucial archaeological find that provides insight into the extent of the Kushan Empire under Kanishka the Great. Discovered in 1993, this inscription corroborates historical accounts found in texts such as the Hou Hanshu and Weilüe, which detail the Kushan territories and their influence in northern India. The inscription is believed to date back to the early Kanishka era, around the time when Kushan control was at its peak. It specifically lists several cities that were part of Kanishka's dominion, including Ujjain, Kundina, Saketa, Kausambi, Pataliputra, and Champa. This information is significant as it highlights the geographical reach of the Kushan Empire and its role in the cultural and political landscape of the region during that period. The impact of the Rabatak inscription extends beyond mere geographical data; it serves as a vital link between historical texts and archaeological evidence. The mention of Pataliputra, a major city, is particularly noteworthy as it is referenced in the Buddhist text Śrīdharmapiṭakanidānasūtra, which indicates Kanishka's military conquests. This inscription not only confirms the historical narratives but also enhances our understanding of the Kushan Empire's interactions with other cultures and its influence on the spread of Buddhism. The discovery of the Rabatak inscription has thus provided scholars with a clearer picture of the political dynamics and territorial expansions of the Kushan Empire, making it an essential artifact for the study of ancient Indian history.