The correct option is Chinese rulers.
Explanation
The Kushana rulers, who established a vast empire extending from Central Asia to the Gangetic plains, adopted grand titles to legitimize their rule and project divine authority. Their political structure and royal titles reflected a synthesis of Indian, Persian, Chinese, and Roman influences.Historical Analysis:
- Chinese Influence: The title Devaputra translates to "Son of God." Historians widely attribute the adoption of this title to the influence of the Chinese rulers, who traditionally called themselves the "Son of Heaven" (Tianzi). The Kushanas (originally the Yuezhi tribe) had historical origins on the borders of China and maintained interactions with the Chinese Han dynasty, facilitating this cultural borrowing.
- Persian Influence: The Kushanas also used the title Rajatiraja or Shaonanoshao (King of Kings), which was derived from Achaemenid and Parthian (Persian) traditions.
- Mauryan Comparison: While Mauryan emperors like Ashoka used the title Devanampriya (Beloved of the Gods), the Kushana title Devaputra implies a direct descent from divinity, marking a shift towards the deification of kings.
- Roman Influence: While the Kushanas adopted the practice of minting gold coins and certain artistic elements from the Roman Empire, the specific title Devaputra is not derived from Roman imperial titles (such as Augustus).
Key Takeaway:
The Kushana title Devaputra was inspired by the Chinese practice of calling the ruler the "Son of Heaven," distinguishing it from the Persian "King of Kings" and the Mauryan "Beloved of the Gods."