The Kushan Empire, spanning from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE, was a dominant power in northern India and Central Asia. The empire played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism, facilitating cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.Kushan mythology blended elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism. Mythical figures such as Garuda, the divine bird, and Makara, a sea creature, were prominent in their religious art and temple architecture.