Kipunada
Kushan Ruler
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Kipunada (Brahmi script: 
Ki-pu-ṇa-dha), also Kipanadha, was probably the last ruler of the Kushan Empire around 335-350 CE.[2] He is known for his gold coinage.[3] He succeeded Shaka I. Kipunada was probably only a local ruler in the area stretching from Waisa to Taxila, in northwestern Punjab, and he may have been a subject of Gupta Emperor Samudragupta.[4]
| Kipunada | |
|---|---|
| Kushan Ruler | |
 Coin of Kipunada. Circa 335-350 CE. Obverse: Kipunada standing left, sacrificing over altar. To the right, name vertically in Brahmi script in monogrammic form: Ki-pu-ṇa .Under the ruler's arm: Bacharnatha      .Reverse: Ardoxsho enthroned facing, holding investiture garland and cornucopia.[1] | |
| Reign | 335-350 CE[2] |
| Coronation | 335 CE |
| Predecessor | Shaka I |
| Successor | Kidarites |
| Born | 297 CE |
| Burial | 350 CE |
Gupta and Kidarite successors
The coins of Kipunada in Central and Western Punjab were followed by peculiar coins minted locally in Punjab, with the name "Samudra" on them (Gupta script:
), presumably connected to the Gupta Empire ruler Samudragupta.[5][6] Soon after this, coinage was issued in Punjab by Kidarite Hun rulers known as Kirada, Peroz and then the famous Kidara, who occupied the territory formerly held by the Kushans.[5][6]
Kipunada lost his independence directly to the invading Hunas who had invaded northern India and acted as a local ruler of Taxila (alongside Mahi and Shaka) under the suzerainty of the Gupta emperors, while still using the coinage style of the Great Kushans.[7] The Kushano-Sasanian sites, including the coins, extended to Gandhara due to Shapur II's protection of the eastern borders of his Sasanian Empire against the invading Huns/Chionites. His treaties with the Huns resulted in: allowing them to join the Sasanian troops, treating them as allies and allowing his direct control over the east. The Kushano-Sasanian coin series issued by Kidara and a certain Pērōz, in Tokharistan and Gandhara continued.[8] Evidently, Kidara I was the Kushan king who submitted to the Gupta king Samudragupta and accepted Gupta suzerainty.[9][10]
Local coin minted in the Punjab area with the name "Samudra" (
Sa-mu-dra, under the king's left arm), presumably Samudragupta, immediately followed those of Kipunada.[6][5]
