Indo-Scythians

The Indo-Scythians were nomadic Iranian peoples who migrated into northwestern India around the 1st century BCE, during the decline of the Mauryan Empire. They established the Indo-Scythian Kingdoms, blending their culture with local traditions, which influenced art, coinage, and religious practices. Their rule introduced new styles of sculpture and iconography, particularly in regions like Gandhara. The Indo-Scythians played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of ancient India until their decline around the 4th or 5th centuries CE, paving the way for subsequent kingdoms such as the Kushans and the Gupta Empire.