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{{Short description|2nd century Kushan emperor}}
{{Short description|2nd century Kushan emperor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox monarch
{{Infobox monarch
| name           =Vima Kadphises
| name         = Vima Kadphises
| title           =[[Kushan]] emperor
| title       = [[Kushan Empire|Kushan]] emperor
| image= WimaKadphisesCoin.jpg
| image       = Double stater Vima Kadphises Guimet MG24356 (cropped).jpg
| caption         =Vima Kadphises in long coat. Legend in corrupted Greek script: ΒΑϹΙΛΕΥϹ BACIΛEWN CWTHP MEΓAC ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙϹΗϹ ("Basileus Basileuon Soter Megas Ooemo Kadphises"): "King of Kings Vima Kadphises the Great Saviour". [[British Museum]].
| caption     = Double stater of Vima Kadphises. ''Obverse'': diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated facing on stool with ornate legs, head left, feet on footstool, holding laurel branch in raised right hand. Corrupted Greek language legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙϹΗϹ ("Basileus Ooimo Kadphisis"): "King Vima Kadphises". [[Afghanistan]]. [[Guimet Museum]], MG24356
| reign           =113–127 CE
| reign       = 113–127 CE
| coronation     =
| coronation   =  
| full name       =
| full name   =  
| predecessor     =[[Vima Takto]]
| predecessor = [[Vima Takto]]
| successor       =[[Kanishka]]
| successor   = [[Kanishka]]
| Religion =  
| Religion     =  
| spouse         =
| spouse       =  
| issue           =
| issue       =  
| royal house    =
| royal house =
| dynasty         =
| religion     = [[Shaivism]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Raoul |title=The Roman Empire and the Silk Routes|date=11 November 2016 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1-4738-8981-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CyZDDQAAQBAJ&dq=vima+kadphises+was+hindu&pg=PT90 |language=en|quote=Evidence from coin issues suggests that the Kushan King Vima Kadphises (AD 100–127) was a devotee of a Hindu sect called Shaivism that celebrated Shiva as the Supreme Being. His coins proclaim him as a 'Worshipper of Shiva' and a Kharostani inscription found near Mat, close to the city of Mathura in northern India, commemorates the king as "steadfast in the true law and on account of his devotion, receiving the kingdom from Shiva}}</ref>
| father         =
| dynasty     = [[Kushan Empire|Kushan]]
| mother         =
| father       =  
| birth_date  =
| mother       =  
| birth_place  =
| birth_date  =  
| death_date  =
| birth_place  =  
| death_place  =
| death_date  =  
| date of burial =
| death_place  =  
| place of burial =
| burial_date =  
|}}
| burial_place =  
 
}}
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
| align   = right
| align       = right
| direction =vertical
| direction   = vertical
| header=Statue of Vima Kadphises
| header     = Statue of Vima Kadphises
| total_width=265
| total_width = 265
| image1   = Vima Kadphises statue Mathura Museum.jpg
| image1     = Vima Kadphises statue Mathura Museum.jpg
| image2   = Vima Kadphises inscription.jpg
| image2     = Vima Kadphises inscription.jpg
| footer=Vima Kadphises (or possibly [[Vima Takto]])<ref>{{cite book |last1=Revire |first1=Nicolas |title=Kinsman of the Sun: An Early Buddha Image in the Asian Art Museum, Berlin, and Solar Symbolism |page=9 |url=https://www.academia.edu/35217420 |language=en}}</ref> on throne. The name of the ruler is mentioned in an epigraphic inscription at the feet of the statue. The inscription reads:<center><br>''Maharaja rajatiraja devaputra''<br>  
| footer     = Vima Kadphises (or possibly [[Vima Takto]])<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Revire |first1=Nicolas |title=Kinsman of the Sun: An Early Buddha Image in the Asian Art Museum, Berlin, and Solar Symbolism |journal=Indo-Asiatische Zeitschrift |volume=20-21 |pages=3–14 [9] |date=January 2017 |url=https://www.academia.edu/35217420 |language=en}}</ref> on throne. The name of the ruler is mentioned in an epigraphic inscription at the feet of the statue. The inscription reads:{{center|<br>''Maharaja rajatiraja devaputra''<br>
''Kushanaputra (Shahi Vamataksha) masya'' <br>
''Kushanaputra (Shahi Vamataksha) masya'' <br>
''Vakanapatina Huma (devakulu) karita'' <br>
''Vakanapatina Huma (devakulu) karita'' <br>
''Arama pushkarini udapana (cha) sa-da (kothako)''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Banerjee |first1=Gauranga Nath |title=Hellenism in ancient India |date=1920 |publisher=Calcutta : Published by the Author ; New York : Oxford University Press |page=[https://archive.org/details/hellenisminancie00bane/page/92 92] |url=https://archive.org/details/hellenisminancie00bane}}</ref></center><br>[[Mathura Museum]].
''Arama pushkarini udapana (cha) sa-da (kothako)''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Banerjee |first1=Gauranga Nath |title=Hellenism in ancient India |date=1920 |publisher=Calcutta : Published by the Author ; New York : Oxford University Press |page=[https://archive.org/details/hellenisminancie00bane/page/92 92] |url=https://archive.org/details/hellenisminancie00bane}}</ref>}}<br>[[Mathura Museum]].
}}
}}
[[File:Bronze coin of Wima Kadphises found in Khotan.jpg|thumb|left|Bronze coin of Wima Kadphises with [[camel]], found in [[Khotan]].]]
'''Vima Kadphises''' ([[Greek alphabet|Greek]]: Οοημο Καδφιϲηϲ ''Ooēmo Kadphisēs'' (epigraphic); [[Kharosthi]]: '''𐨬𐨁𐨨 𐨐𐨫𐨿𐨤𐨁𐨭''' ''{{IAST|Vi-ma Ka-lpi-śa}}'', ''{{IAST|Vima Kalpiśa}}'') was a [[Kushan Empire|Kushan]] emperor from approximately 113 to 127 CE. According to the [[Rabatak inscription]], he was the son of [[Vima Takto]] and the father of [[Kanishka]].
{{Kushan rulers}}
'''Vima Kadphises''' ([[Greek alphabet|Greek]]: ''ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙϹΗϹ'' ''Ooēmo Kadphisēs'' (epigraphic); [[Kharosthi]]: '''𐨬𐨁𐨨 𐨐𐨫𐨿𐨤𐨁𐨭''' ''{{IAST|Vi-ma Ka-lpi-śa}}'', ''{{IAST|Vima Kalpiśa}}'') , was a [[Kushan]] emperor from approximately 113 to 127 CE. According to the [[Rabatak inscription]], he was the son of [[Vima Takto]] and the father of [[Kanishka]].


==Rule==
==Rule==
Line 47: Line 46:


"... for King Kujula Kadphises (his) great grandfather, and for King Vima Taktu (his) grandfather, and for King Vima Kadphises (his) father, and *also for himself, King Kanishka" (Cribb and Sims-Williams 1995/6: 80)
"... for King Kujula Kadphises (his) great grandfather, and for King Vima Taktu (his) grandfather, and for King Vima Kadphises (his) father, and *also for himself, King Kanishka" (Cribb and Sims-Williams 1995/6: 80)
Emperor Vima Kadphises expanded the Kushan territory in [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]], where he may have replaced the [[Indo-Scythian]] ruler [[Sodasa]] in [[Mathura]].<br />
Emperor Vima Kadphises expanded the Kushan territory in [[Afghanistan]] and north-west [[India]], where he may have replaced the [[Indo-Scythian]] ruler [[Sodasa]] in [[Mathura]].


== Coins ==
== Coins ==
[[File:Vima Kadphises with ithyphallic Shiva.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left|Vima Kadphises with [[ithyphallic]] [[Shiva]]. '''Obv:''' Bust of king emerging from a cloud, with a crested helmet and holding a club. Corrupted Greek language legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙΣΗΣ ("Basileus Ooimo Kadphisis"): "King Vima Kadphises".<br>
{{Kushan rulers}}
'''Rev:''' [[Shiva]], with a long trident in right hand, and the skin of a tiger in the left. Left, monogram of Vima Kadphises. Right: Buddhist [[triratna]] symbol (or possibly Nandipada). [[Kharoshthi]] legend: MAHARAJASA RAJADIRAJASA SARVALOGA ISVARASA MAHISVARASA VIMA KATHPHISASA TRADARA "The Great king, the king of kings, lord of the World, the Mahisvara (lord of the earth), Vima Kathphisa, the defender."]]
He was the Kushan emperor to first introduce gold coinage, in addition to the existing copper and silver coinage. Most of the gold seems to have been obtained through trade with the [[Roman Empire]]. The gold weight standard of approximately eight grams corresponds to that of Roman coins of the 1st century. Gold bullion from Rome would be melted and used for the Kushan mints, into three denominations: the double stater, the stater, and the quarter starter (or dinara).{{Dubious|date=April 2010}}
He was the Kushan emperor to first introduce gold coinage, in addition to the existing copper and silver coinage. Most of the gold seems to have been obtained through trade with the [[Roman Empire]]. The gold weight standard of approximately eight grams corresponds to that of Roman coins of the 1st century. Gold bullion from Rome would be melted and used for the Kushan mints, into three denominations: the double stater, the stater, and the quarter starter (or dinara).{{Dubious|date=April 2010}}


The usage of gold testifies to the prosperity of the Kushan Empire from the time of Vima, being the center of trade between the [[Han Dynasty]] of [[China]] (where Vima was known as 阎膏珍), [[Central Asia]] and [[Alexandria]] and [[Antioch]] in the West. The Kushan were able to maintain and protect the [[Silk road]], allowing [[silk]], [[spices]], [[textiles]] or [[medicine]]{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} to move between China, India and the West. In particular, many goods {{Vague|date=April 2010}} were sent by ship to the Roman empire, creating a return flow of gold coins, Greek {{Vague|date=April 2010}} wine and slaves. Works of arts were also imported from all directions{{Where|date=July 2011}} {{Vague|date=April 2010}}, as indicated by the variety and quality of the artefacts {{Vague|date=April 2010}} found in the Kushan summer capital of [[Bagram]] in Afghanistan. A strong artistic syncretism was stimulated, as indicated by the [[Greco-Buddhist art]] of [[Gandhara]].
The usage of gold testifies to the prosperity of the Kushan Empire from the time of Vima, being the center of trade between the [[Han dynasty]] of [[China]] (where Vima was known as 阎膏珍), [[Central Asia]] and [[Alexandria]] and [[Antioch]] in the West. The Kushan were able to maintain and protect the [[Silk Road]], allowing [[silk]], [[spices]], [[textiles]] or [[medicine]]{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} to move between China, India and the West. In particular, many goods {{Vague|date=April 2010}} were sent by ship to the Roman empire, creating a return flow of gold coins, Greek wine and slaves. Works of arts were also imported from all directions{{Where|date=July 2011}} {{Vague|date=April 2010}}, as indicated by the variety and quality of the artefacts {{Vague|date=April 2010}} found in the Kushan summer capital of [[Bagram]] in Afghanistan. A strong artistic syncretism was stimulated, as indicated by the [[Greco-Buddhist art]] of [[Gandhara]].{{fact|date=August 2024}}


Roman history relates the visit of ambassadors from the Indian kings to the court of [[Trajan]] (98–117 CE), bearing presents and letters in Greek, which were sent either by Vima Kadphises or his son Kanishka.
Roman history relates the visit of ambassadors from the Indian kings to the court of [[Trajan]] (98–117 CE), bearing presents and letters in Greek, which were sent either by Vima Kadphises or his son Kanishka.{{fact|date=August 2024}}


Most of Vima's coins feature the Buddhist symbol of the [[Triratana]] on the reverse (or possibly Shiva's symbol for [[Nandi bull|Nandi]], the Nandipada), together with [[Hindu]] representations of [[Shiva]], with or without his bull. Often time, a [[Trishula|Trishul]] is depicted along with [[Shiva]].
Most of Vima's coins feature the Buddhist symbol of the [[Triratana]] on the reverse (or possibly Shiva's symbol for [[Nandi bull|Nandi]], the Nandipada), together with [[Hindu]] representations of [[Shiva]], with or without his bull. Often time, a [[Trishula|Trishul]] is depicted along with [[Shiva]].{{fact|date=August 2024}}


{{clear}}
{{multiple image|perrow = 2|total_width = 600|caption_align = center
| align    = center
| direction = horizontal
| header    = Major coin legends of Vima Kadphises
| image1    = Vima Kadphises with ithyphallic Shiva.jpg
| caption1  = Vima Kadphises with [[Shiva]]. <br>'''Obv:''' Bust of king emerging from a cloud, with a crested helmet and holding a club. Corrupted Greek language legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙΣΗΣ ("Basileus Ooimo Kadphisis"): "King Vima Kadphises".<br>
'''Rev:''' [[Shiva]], with a long trident in right hand, and the skin of a tiger in the left. Left, monogram of Vima Kadphises. Right: Buddhist [[triratna]] symbol (or possibly Nandipada). [[Kharoshthi]] legend: MAHARAJASA RAJADIRAJASA SARVALOGA ISVARASA MAHISVARASA VIMA KATHPHISASA TRADARA "The Great king, the king of kings, lord of the World, the Mahisvara (lord of the earth), Vima Kathphisa, the defender."
| image2    = WimaKadphisesCoin.jpg
| caption2  = Vima Kadphises in long coat. Legend in corrupted Greek script: ΒΑϹΙΛΕΥϹ BACIΛEWN CWTHP MEΓAC ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙϹΗϹ ("Basileus Basileuon Soter Megas Ooemo Kadphises"): "King of Kings Vima Kadphises the Great Saviour". [[British Museum]].
| footer    =
}}


<gallery>
==Coin types==
<gallery widths=180>
File:Bronze coin of Wima Kadphises found in Khotan.jpg|Bronze coin of Wima Kadphises with [[camel]], found in [[Khotan]].
File:India, Mathura, Kushan Period - Vima Kadphises - 1999.225 - Cleveland Museum of Art.jpg|Coin of the Kushan empire, king Vima Kadphises, Cleveland Museum of Art
Image:WimaKadphisesCoinage.JPG|Coin of Wima.
Image:WimaKadphisesCoinage.JPG|Coin of Wima.
Image:WimaKadphises.JPG|Coin of Wima.
Image:WimaKadphises.JPG|Coin of Wima.
Line 74: Line 85:
File:Monnaie Kadphisès II, revers.jpg
File:Monnaie Kadphisès II, revers.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{clear}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Vima Takto]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Kushan|Kushan Ruler]]|years=90 – 100 CE}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Kanishka]]}}
{{s-end}}


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
Line 93: Line 96:
*[http://www.coinarchives.com/a/results.php?results=100&search=Vima+AND+Kadphises Coins of Vima Kadphises]
*[http://www.coinarchives.com/a/results.php?results=100&search=Vima+AND+Kadphises Coins of Vima Kadphises]
*[http://coinindia.com/galleries-vima-kadphises.html Catalogue of coins of Vima Kadphises]
*[http://coinindia.com/galleries-vima-kadphises.html Catalogue of coins of Vima Kadphises]
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Vima Takto]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Kushan Empire|Kushan Ruler]]|years=90 – 100 CE}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Kanishka]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{Kushans}}
{{Kushans}}
[[Category:Kushan Empire]]
 
[[Category:Kushan emperors]]
[[Category:2nd-century monarchs in Asia]]
[[Category:2nd-century monarchs in Asia]]

Latest revision as of 10:51, 26 February 2026

Vima Kadphises
Kushan emperor
Double stater of Vima Kadphises. Obverse: diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated facing on stool with ornate legs, head left, feet on footstool, holding laurel branch in raised right hand. Corrupted Greek language legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙϹΗϹ ("Basileus Ooimo Kadphisis"): "King Vima Kadphises". Afghanistan. Guimet Museum, MG24356
Reign113–127 CE
PredecessorVima Takto
SuccessorKanishka
DynastyKushan
ReligionShaivism[1]
Statue of Vima Kadphises
Vima Kadphises (or possibly Vima Takto)[2] on throne. The name of the ruler is mentioned in an epigraphic inscription at the feet of the statue. The inscription reads:

Maharaja rajatiraja devaputra

Kushanaputra (Shahi Vamataksha) masya
Vakanapatina Huma (devakulu) karita

Arama pushkarini udapana (cha) sa-da (kothako)[3]

Mathura Museum.

Vima Kadphises (Greek: Οοημο Καδφιϲηϲ Ooēmo Kadphisēs (epigraphic); Kharosthi: 𐨬𐨁𐨨 𐨐𐨫𐨿𐨤𐨁𐨭 Vi-ma Ka-lpi-śa, Vima Kalpiśa) was a Kushan emperor from approximately 113 to 127 CE. According to the Rabatak inscription, he was the son of Vima Takto and the father of Kanishka.

Rule[edit | edit source]

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

The connection of Vima Kadphises with other Kushan rulers is described in the Rabatak inscription, which Kanishka wrote. Kanishka makes the list of the kings who ruled up to his time: Kujula Kadphises as his great-grandfather, Vima Taktu as his grandfather, Vima Kadphises as his father, and himself Kanishka:

"... for King Kujula Kadphises (his) great grandfather, and for King Vima Taktu (his) grandfather, and for King Vima Kadphises (his) father, and *also for himself, King Kanishka" (Cribb and Sims-Williams 1995/6: 80) Emperor Vima Kadphises expanded the Kushan territory in Afghanistan and north-west India, where he may have replaced the Indo-Scythian ruler Sodasa in Mathura.

Coins[edit | edit source]

Template:Kushan rulers He was the Kushan emperor to first introduce gold coinage, in addition to the existing copper and silver coinage. Most of the gold seems to have been obtained through trade with the Roman Empire. The gold weight standard of approximately eight grams corresponds to that of Roman coins of the 1st century. Gold bullion from Rome would be melted and used for the Kushan mints, into three denominations: the double stater, the stater, and the quarter starter (or dinara).[dubious – discuss]

The usage of gold testifies to the prosperity of the Kushan Empire from the time of Vima, being the center of trade between the Han dynasty of China (where Vima was known as 阎膏珍), Central Asia and Alexandria and Antioch in the West. The Kushan were able to maintain and protect the Silk Road, allowing silk, spices, textiles or medicine[citation needed] to move between China, India and the West. In particular, many goods [vague] were sent by ship to the Roman empire, creating a return flow of gold coins, Greek wine and slaves. Works of arts were also imported from all directions[where?] [vague], as indicated by the variety and quality of the artefacts [vague] found in the Kushan summer capital of Bagram in Afghanistan. A strong artistic syncretism was stimulated, as indicated by the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara.[citation needed]

Roman history relates the visit of ambassadors from the Indian kings to the court of Trajan (98–117 CE), bearing presents and letters in Greek, which were sent either by Vima Kadphises or his son Kanishka.[citation needed]

Most of Vima's coins feature the Buddhist symbol of the Triratana on the reverse (or possibly Shiva's symbol for Nandi, the Nandipada), together with Hindu representations of Shiva, with or without his bull. Often time, a Trishul is depicted along with Shiva.[citation needed]

Major coin legends of Vima Kadphises
Vima Kadphises with Shiva.
Obv: Bust of king emerging from a cloud, with a crested helmet and holding a club. Corrupted Greek language legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙΣΗΣ ("Basileus Ooimo Kadphisis"): "King Vima Kadphises".
Rev: Shiva, with a long trident in right hand, and the skin of a tiger in the left. Left, monogram of Vima Kadphises. Right: Buddhist triratna symbol (or possibly Nandipada). Kharoshthi legend: MAHARAJASA RAJADIRAJASA SARVALOGA ISVARASA MAHISVARASA VIMA KATHPHISASA TRADARA "The Great king, the king of kings, lord of the World, the Mahisvara (lord of the earth), Vima Kathphisa, the defender."
Vima Kadphises in long coat. Legend in corrupted Greek script: ΒΑϹΙΛΕΥϹ BACIΛEWN CWTHP MEΓAC ΟΟΗΜΟ ΚΑΔΦΙϹΗϹ ("Basileus Basileuon Soter Megas Ooemo Kadphises"): "King of Kings Vima Kadphises the Great Saviour". British Museum.

Coin types[edit | edit source]

Footnotes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ McLaughlin, Raoul (11 November 2016). The Roman Empire and the Silk Routes. Pen and Sword. ISBN 978-1-4738-8981-1. Evidence from coin issues suggests that the Kushan King Vima Kadphises (AD 100–127) was a devotee of a Hindu sect called Shaivism that celebrated Shiva as the Supreme Being. His coins proclaim him as a 'Worshipper of Shiva' and a Kharostani inscription found near Mat, close to the city of Mathura in northern India, commemorates the king as "steadfast in the true law and on account of his devotion, receiving the kingdom from Shiva
  2. ↑ Revire, Nicolas (January 2017). "Kinsman of the Sun: An Early Buddha Image in the Asian Art Museum, Berlin, and Solar Symbolism". Indo-Asiatische Zeitschrift. 20–21: 3–14 [9].
  3. ↑ Banerjee, Gauranga Nath (1920). Hellenism in ancient India. Calcutta : Published by the Author ; New York : Oxford University Press. p. 92.

References[edit | edit source]

  • Hill, John E. (2009) Through the Jade Gate to Rome: A Study of the Silk Routes during the Later Han Dynasty, 1st to 2nd Centuries CE. BookSurge, Charleston, South Carolina. ISBN 978-1-4392-2134-1.
  • Tarn, W. W. (1951). The Greeks in Bactria and India. 3rd Edition 1984. Ares Publishers, Chicago. ISBN 0-89005-524-6

External links[edit | edit source]

Preceded by
Vima Takto 		Kushan Ruler
90 – 100 CE 		Succeeded by
Kanishka

Template:Kushans

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