Ancient India, Indo-Scythian Kingdom, Azes Ii (C.35-12 Bce), Hexa-Chalkon(C)

The Scythians are a nomadic people who migrated from Central Asia and began to appear in northern India around 100 BCE. A warrior race they are most often depicted on horseback with powerful bows at their side. Despite their martial nomadic origins, they appear to have adapted and contributed to the rich cosmopolitan culture of region, practicing Buddhism and ruling in the guise of the local Greek kings they replaced. Some of the earliest representations of the Buddha in human form date to this period, as we see these cultures evolve together under Scythian rule.