Kurash was a cousin of Khsrish IV, the King of Kings of the Persian Empire. He had shown unwanted ambitions which Khsrish attempted to forestall by celebrating the deeds of his namesake forefather, Khsrish I the "Conqueror". His hope was that the reflected glory would increase his own prestige and keep Kurash at bay. This ploy failed and Kurash succeeded in overthrowing Khsrish and slaying him.