Eras

Prehistoric

Ancient

Medieval

Modern

People

From History

Cultural Icons

Women In history

Explorers

Writers

Rulers

Freedom fighters

Quirky History

Places

Regions

Cities

Geology and Natural History

Monuments

Religious Places

Forts

Palaces

Caves

Heritage Sites

Archaeological Sites

Living Culture

Handcrafted For You

Food History

Festivals

Arts of India

Weaves of India

Literature 

Folklore and Mythology

Art History

Sculptures

Jewels

Paintings

Coins

Artefacts

Heritage Matters

State of our Monuments

Conservation

Revival 

Antique Collection India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history?Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! Historical Collections Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. Antique Pieces Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! Antique Collection Online Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection?For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree?At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons:Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space.Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world.Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces.Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision.Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism.Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family.Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests.Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate.In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

<h1>Antique Collection</h1>
India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history? Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! 
<h2>Historical Collections</h2>
Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. 
<h2>Antique Pieces</h2>
Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! 
<h2>Antique Collection Online</h2>
Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s 1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection? For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree? At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons: Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space. Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world. Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces. Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision. Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism. Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family. Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests. Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate. In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl Showpiece

Candle Stand in Bastar Wrought Iron | Handmade in India

Dhokra Metal Handmade Harappan Dancing Girl Replica Statue Showpiece

Terracotta Harappan Pashupati Seal Replica with Frame

Tealight Holder Handmade in Wrought Iron | Bastar Craft |Tribal Forest Showpiece

Candle Stand Handcrafted Bastar Tribal Art | Tea Light Holder

Terracotta Harappan Bull Seal Replica with Frame

Dhokra Bankura Horse Figurine Showpiece

Terracotta Harappan Peepul Tree Seal Replica with Frame

Ganesha Showpiece Handmade in Metal |  Dhokra Craft

The History Shop

Blue Sparkle Handmade Mud Art Wall Hanging

Rust Coloured Handwoven Cushion Cover

Mustard & Black Handwoven Tribe Inspired Table Runner

Marble Coaster Set with Red Inlay| Set of 2/6 | Handcrafted In India

Wall Hanging Handmade in Mud | Lippan Art Home Decor | Desert Oasis

Hand Embroidered Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runners - Lambani Table Runners in Scarlet

Multi-purpose Wicker Basket From Kashmir

Black & White Handwoven Cotton Table Runner

Red & Black Handwoven Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runner

Lime Green Handcrafted Mirror Work Wall Decor

Handcrafted Home Decor For You

Peepul Tree Bestseller Collection

Explore the ancient tradition and mythological story of Guliga and Panjurli, revered as daivas or bhutas in Tulunadu, as immortalised in the film Kantara. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Tulunadu through this story.

Guliga and Panjurli - The Divine Deities from Kantara

The Divine Deities from Kantara

‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is a five-volume piece of historical fiction written by Kalki Krishnamurthy in the 1950s. Considered one of the greatest works of modern Tamil literature, the novel is still considered a cult classic. Catch the story here

The Real Story Behind ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

This Ramnavami, embark on a pilgrimage with us as we trace Lord Ram's journey across the Indian Subcontinent. From his birthplace in Ayodhya to the scenic Chitrakoot, where he spent time during his exile, we'll visit the many places associated with Lord Ram's life. Join us as we explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ramnavami.

In the Footsteps of Ram 

India’s first Republic Day celebrations were far from the impressive show we see today. And guess what? There was no grand pageant on Rajpath. We bring you some stunning details that marked the day India became a republic

What India’s First Republic Day Celebrations Looked Like

Best of Peepul Tree Stories

Global Template

The Secrets of Ladakh: A Rare Journey

Dholavira: Tracing the Story of the Harappans

South Asian Masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Revisiting India’s First Port City: Lothal

Join us on unforgettable journeys week after week and meet those who are defining the way we look at history

Quarterly

Yearly

The Story of Mohenjo-daro

Explore the Story of India Through Objects

The Caves of Meghalaya

Uncovering the Life and Legacy of Dara Shukoh, the Beloved Mughal Prince

Your Gateway to Exclusive History Content one Story at a Time

Trails

The Making of Jaipur

Lost Cities

Pune before the Peshwas 

Tales of Shahjahanabad

Handmade Harappan Dancing Girl Replica in Dhokra Metal

MARBLE INLAY ROSELLE COASTER

Lippan White Wall Mirror

They were a confederation of pesky tribal marauders who constantly raided Northern China. Tired of the ever-present threat from these barbarians, the little kingdoms of Northern China - Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Yan and Zhongshan – pushed back by building a series of fortifications to block out the menace. Over centuries, these fortifications would evolve into the Great Wall of China. But did you know that this pushback by China and the fortifications it created had an impact on faraway India?

At the beginning of the first millennium of the Common Era, North India was in turmoil. The central authority of the Mauryans had declined and a number of smaller kingdoms and principalities had emerged. Taking advantage of this, the 

 or the Yavanas had established their power in North-Western India, making an audacious bid for the prized city of Pataliputra.

But they were to be displaced by even more powerful force. The pushback from China and the ripple effect this had on the tribes across the Central Asian Steppes forced a number of nomadic tribes to migrate to India and make it their home. The most prominent among them were the Indo-Scythians or the Sakas, and the Indo-Parthians or the Pahlavas. Over the next few centuries, they would come into India, embrace it and leave an incredible mark on Indian culture and society. Some would even make their way into the 

Around the 3rd century BCE, the Eastern region of the Steppes (today’s Mongolia) was inhabited by nomadic, pastoral people who had formed a far-flung tribal confederation by the name of ‘Xiongnu’. Vicious and volatile, it was the repeated attacks by these Xiongnu nomads on the Northern Chinese kingdoms of Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Yan and Zhongshan, that would force them to build a series of fortifications called ‘the Great Wall of Qi’, which over centuries would take the shape of ‘The Great Wall of China’.

 chronicles of the Han dynasty of China composed in the 1st century CE, tell us that the ruler of the Xiongnu, Lao Shang (reigned c. 174–161 BCE), attacked the Yuezhi tribe, who then occupied the rich farming oasis of the Tarim Basin (modern-day Xingjian province of China). The Yeuzhi king was killed and his skull was made into a drinking cup by the Xiongnu.

These chronicles also tell us about the terrible panic that followed. The Yeuzhi tribe, one of the numerous pastoral tribes that inhabited Central Asia, fled to the west, where they came across another tribe, the Wu-Sun, who lived in the Ill river basin and Lake Issykkul (near Kazakhstan’s capital Almaty today). The Yeuzhi killed their king and defeated them around 150 BCE. In what had become a pattern by now, or a ripple effect, the Wu-Sun were pushed further west and south, and it was these tribes who came to be known as the Scythians in the West – and the Sakas in India!

The Sakas, displaced by the Yeuzhi and pushed towards India, went on to defeat the Graeco-Bactrian kingdoms on India’s frontier in Northern Afghanistan. This, in turn, pushed the Indo-Greeks into Punjab. In a short span of time, the Sakas seem to have chased the Graeco-Bactrians into Punjab and defeated them around 145 BCE.

It is said that the Sakas burnt the Greek city of Ai-Khanoum (in present-day Takhar Province of North-Eastern Afghanistan) to the ground. This Saka conquest of the Bactrian-Greek kingdoms on India’s frontier made waves around the world. The 1st century CE Greek Geographer 

The nomads who became most famous were those who took away Bactriana from the Greeks – the Asiani (Yeuzhi), the Tochari and the Sacae (Sakas

It was the sensational discovery of a gold treasure excavated at Tilla Tepe in Shibargah in Afghanistan that threw light on how powerful the Sakas had become after their conquest of Bactriana. In the summer of 1979, a team led by Soviet archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi excavated rich burials (dating from 1st century BCE to 1st century CE) around the remains of a prehistoric temple. In these burials were massive offerings of gold, much of which was in the Saka style.

The stash consisted of jewellery, crowns, armour and many other spectacular things like gold statues and coins. This led historians and archaeologists to believe that by now the Sakas had become extremely wealthy and powerful as they kept moving west with the huge surplus of the Bactrian-Greek gold that they had seized.

Meanwhile, the Saka march westward continued and they invaded the Parthian kingdom that ruled Iran. Parthian ruler Phaarates II (r. 138-128 BCE) was killed in the fighting. The Sakas eventually settled in today’s Northern Baluchistan, which came to be known as ‘Sakasthan’ or the ‘Land of the Sakas’.

Even today, the region is called ‘Seistan’, a corruption of Sakasthan.

The Sakas entered India via two routes. First, a group of them came in through the Kunjerab Pass (in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir or PoK), and down to Gilgit and Taxila, the same route from China taken by Chinese Buddhist monks Fa Hien (5th century CE) and Hiuen Tsang (7th century CE). This Saka group later invaded Punjab and came down to Mathura. The second group from Sakasthan entered India through the Bolan Pass (not Khyber) and went down to Sindh and Gujarat. This group of Sakas would rule Gujarat, Sindh, Malwa and Rajasthan till the 4th century CE.

But what was it that compelled the Sakas to go deeper and deeper into the Indian subcontinent? It was, of course, the riches and the growing demand for them as the ancient trading highway – the Silk Route – began to take shape.

These were the early days of this transcontinental, international trade route that extended from China all the way to the Roman Empire, with key stops along the way such as Bamiyan in Afghanistan and Khotan and Kashgar in Xinjiang province of China. There has been very little research on the connection of the Sakas to the Silk Route and how this expressway helped them.

An interesting insight comes from noted historian Dr Romila Thapar in her book 

 (2004). In her book, Thapar explains how the Sakas, being pastoralists, had access to the finest horses which provided them with rapid mobility and enabled them to become conduits of trade. Scattered across the deserts of Western China and Central Asia were fertile oases, where towns and cities had emerged as centres of trade due to earlier Greek and Achaemenid patronage.

The Sakas were essentially men of the saddle and, over time, they made great improvements in bridles, saddles and in the compound bow, which would work decisively in their favour during military campaigns.

, “Nomadic pastoralists were unlikely people to found large kingdoms, but could do so due to their changing relationships with the Oasis. These pastoralists, instead of raiding the Oasis for livestock, began to accept tribute from them. Because of their circuits of herding, and the use of animals to transport goods, they emerged as important conduits to trade and commerce...Horses were traded eastwards, while in exchange silk travelled westwards to be sold in the markets of Central Asia and further.” 

These were the beginnings of the Silk Route.

Thapar goes on to explain that the attraction of India for the Sakas lay not just in the fertility of the land, but also in the profits of trade from the items it produced. The Roman trade with Central Asia was seen as an avenue to prosperity for these nomads. The Sakas were great patrons, conduits and beneficiaries of international trade and commerce. It was a policy later followed by the 

We know of the various Saka kings who ruled North-Western India, thanks to the plethora of numismatic and epigraphic evidence they left behind. The first Saka to rule Indian territories and mint coins was Maues, who ruled from 98/85 BCE to 60/57 BCE. He defeated the Indo-Greek King Apollodotus II and took over the Taxila region. The invasion of Maues took place at a time when the Indo-Greek kingdoms were fragmented and different regions were controlled by different Indo-Greek princes.

There are a number of inscriptions in the Kharoshti script found in North-Western Pakistan, which indicate the route taken by Maues during his invasion of Gandhara. Noted Pakistani historian Ahmad Hassan Dani studied a number of petroglyphs at river crossings at Chilas and Hunza (in PoK) and found that many had been made by Saka soldiers who passed by. These led them to believe that Maues belonged to the group of Sakas that had entered India through the Pamir mountains, then through the Kunjerab Pass in today’s PoK and to Taxila.

Three of the inscriptions are of the time when he was battling down south towards Taxila. For example, the inscription at Shahdaur (in PoK) indicates that Maues established control over the region of Hazara (in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan) in 90 BCE, and installed a man named Dandin as his satrap. From the two inscriptions near Manshera not far away that date to 87 BCE, we know that he was still fighting to establish his rule in the Taxila region. It is only the copper plate found at Sirsukh (also near Taxila) dated 77 BCE that refers to ‘

. Interestingly, his kingdom drove a wedge between the Indo-Greek kings of the Kabul valley and those that ruled Punjab. It is believed that over time, his rule extended till Mathura.

Maues ruled for the next 30 years with his capital at Sirkap-Taxila. He also continued the administration system of the Indo-Greek kings, and issued coins on the patterns of the Indo-Greek rulers. A large number of his coins carry portraits of Greek deities like Nike, Zeus, Artemis and others. Interestingly, according to 

 Maues may have been a Saka mercenary in the service of Indo-Greek kings and who had rebelled against his master.

Soon after Maues’s death, Indo-Greek kings again ruled as indicated by the profusion of coins from Kings Apollodotus II and Hippostratos. It was only in 58 BCE that Saka rule was re-established by Azes I, with his victory over Indo-Greek King Hippostratos. This Saka king left an indelible mark.

In 1869 CE, noted Indian archaeologist Bhagwanal Indraji unearthed what is today known as the ‘Mathura Lion Capital’ (part of a pillar) now in the British Museum. It contains Prakrit inscriptions in the Kharoshti script, which states that it was created on the occasion of the funeral of "

and many other historians believe ‘King Muki’ refers to the Saka ruler Maues. The ‘

 refers to funerary traditions of Saka horse sacrifice found in Scythian (Saka) burial mounds as far as South Russia.

The Saka King Azes I, who succeeded Maues, re-established Saka rule over the Gandhara region, after a brief interlude of around 20 years. The neighbouring provinces were ruled by his powerful governors known as ‘satraps’. For a king of whom we know very little, Azes I left his mark on Indian history in a very big way. He is associated with the start of a new calendar – ‘Azes Era’ or the ‘Old Saka’ calendar, which King Azes I is said to have founded on his accession to the throne between 60 and 55 BCE. Interestingly, this era corresponds with the Hindu calendar used in North India and Nepal, which is called the ‘Vikrama Era’.

Tradition has it that the Vikrama Era was heralded in 58 BCE by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, to commemorate his victory over the Sakas. But this has been questioned by historians as there are no records of a king named Vikramaditya during this time. Also, we know that this came to be known as the Vikrama Era only in the 8th century CE, almost 800 years later.

The date of the accession of King Azes I around 58 BCE is also confirmed by epigraphic evidence in numerous inscriptions found from Mathura to the Afghan border. A range of historians from the late Sir John Marshall, to Romila Thapar and D C Sirkar believe that the Vikrama Era may have some links with the earlier ‘Azes Era’.

The second significant object that connected with the reign of Azes I is the ‘Bimaran Casket’, now in the British Museum. Also known as the ‘Bimaran reliquary’, this is a small, gold container with Buddhist relics that was found inside Stupa No2 at Bimaran, near Jalalabad in Eastern Afghanistan by British archaeologist Charles Masson around 1833. Inside the casket were numerous coins minted during the reign of King Azes I. Some historians argue that they belong to a king named ‘Azes II’, while others claim there was no such king. What is most significant is that the gold casket had a figural depiction of Buddha (in Greek/Gandhara style), flanked by deities Brahma and Sakra.

To put the significance of this casket in context, in the earlier form of Buddhism (Theravada) practiced in India at the time, there were no depictions of Buddha in human form. He is depicted as a 

, a Bodhi tree, a lion and so on. The general consensus is that it was during the Kushana period (around 150 CE) that the first depiction of Buddha as the Sakya Muni himself, both in Indian and Greek style, began to appear. The discovery and dating of the Bimaran Casket pushes this date back by almost 200 years.

A marauding tribe of horsemen from Central Asia founded one of the most successful dynasties in Northern India. These people, the Indo-Scythians, ruled North-West and Central India for 600 years. But what has the Great Wall of China got to do with their – and India’s – story?

North in Turmoil: The Saka and Pahlava Waves (100 BCE–100 CE)

They were a confederation of pesky tribal marauders who constantly raided Northern China. Tired of the ever-present threat from these barbarians, the little kingdoms of Northern China – Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Yan and Zhongshan – pushed back by building a series of fortifications to block out the menace. Over centuries, these fortifications would evolve into the Great Wall of China. But did you know that this pushback by China and the fortifications it created had an impact on faraway India?

At the beginning of the first millennium of the Common Era, North India was in turmoil. The central authority of the Mauryans had declined and a number of smaller kingdoms and principalities had emerged. Taking advantage of this, the Indo-Greek or the Yavanas had established their power in North-Western India, making an audacious bid for the prized city of Pataliputra.