The Huna invasions during the Gupta era marked a tumultuous period in Indian history as these nomadic Central Asian tribes, known as Huns, poured down from the steppes and left a lasting impact on the subcontinent. The invasions, characterized by their brutality and conquests, were a pivotal chapter that shaped the political landscape of ancient India.
- Huna Tribes and Directions
Northern Huna (Black Huna): Emerging from Central Asia, the Northern Huna, also known as the Black Huna, took a northward trajectory.
Southern Huna (Red Huna): Venturing southward, the Southern Huna, or Red Huna, spread their influence in the Indian subcontinent.
Eastern Huna (Celestial Hunas): The Eastern Huna, Celestial Hunas, moved eastwards, impacting regions beyond the heartland.
Western Huna (White Hunas): The Western Huna, or White Hunas, directed their course towards the western territories.
- Historical Roots and Migration
Mention in Mahabharata: The Huna tribes found their earliest mention in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata, indicating their presence in ancient Indian texts.
Polyandry Practices: The Huna tribes, including Sakas, Yavanas, and others, were labeled as Malechhas in the Mahabharata, and the practice of polyandry was reportedly common among them.
- Westward Movement and Persian Impact
Divided Streams: The Huna tribes divided into two major streams—one towards the Oxus Valley and the other towards the Volga River, influencing Europe.
Sassanid Persia: The Huna impact reached Persia, where they attacked Sassanid King Peroz I, capturing and killing him.
- Toramana: The White Huna King
Invasion of Gandhara: Around 500 AD, Huna chieftain Ramanila conquered Gandhara, paving the way for the consolidation of Huna power in Punjab under Toramana.
Feudal Structure Facilitating Conquest: Toramana's invasion of the Gupta Empire, possibly with the assistance of Harigupta, exploited the feudal structure of the administration.
- Mihirkula: The Huna Tyrant
Anti-Buddhist Policies: Mihirkula, succeeding Toramana, was known for his cruelty and anti-Buddhist policies, leading to the destruction of temples and monasteries.
Conflict with Gupta King: Narsimhgupta Baladityaraja II, a devout Buddhist, confronted Mihirkula with the support of Yasodharman of Malwa.
Defeat and Downfall: Yasodharman defeated Mihirkula, allowing him refuge in Kashmir, where he met his demise, marking the end of White Hunas in India (528 AD).
- Yasodharman and Gupta Decline
Mandsor and Bijaygarh Inscriptions: Yasodharman, credited with checking Huna expansion, is known through inscriptions in Mandsor and Bijaygarh.
Swift Appearance and Disappearance: Yasodharman's swift rise and disappearance around 540 AD coincided with the Gupta Empire's decline.
- Huna Invasions on Gupta India
First Major Invasion (458 AD): The Hunas invaded in 458 AD during the reign of Skandagupta, leading to Gothic wars and a subsequent repulsion by Skandagupta.
Second Invasion (Around 470 AD): After Skandagupta's death, Mihirkula led a second invasion, overthrowing the Gupta Empire temporarily. His defeat by Yasodharman marked the collapse of Huna power in India.
