Kanishka started Shaka Samvata in 78 BC. He was the ruler of Kushana dynasty of India. He was the most popular ruler of the Kushana dynasty. His first capital was Purushpur (Peshawar) and the second capital was Mathura. He was the follower of Mahayana branch of Buddhism. The fourth Buddhist council was conducted in his reign. Caraka was his royal doctor (Rajvaidya).