Buddha statue of Vasudeva I

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The Buddha statue of Vasudeva I is a fragment from Mathura, made during the Kushan period. It carries an inscription naming the Kushan emperor Vasudeva I (reigned about 191–232 CE). The base reads: “In the 93rd year of Maharaja Devaputra Vasudeva, in the 4th month of Hemanta as on the 25th day, an image of the Buddha … was set up along with a parasol by a Buddhist monk who was Kayastha after paying respect to his father Sarvanandi, mother Jivsri and Arya Dhana.” Scholars think the 93rd year could correspond to about 171 CE, but more likely around 220 CE, if the era of Kanishka (starting in 127 CE) is used (127 + 93 = 220).

Vasudeva’s reign was relatively peaceful and produced much Buddhist art, including several statues dated to his time, which helps historians date Buddhist sculpture. A partially preserved Sakyamuni statue from Mathura also bears the date “Year 94” (without naming Vasudeva) and is housed in the Mathura Museum; it is an important example of Mathura art.