The Huns, who were a group of nomadic Central Asian tribes, played an important role in the history of Eurasia during ancient times. The Huns are known for their military campaigns and invasions into various regions, including Europe and India.
In Europe, particularly during the 4th and 5th centuries CE, the Huns, under leaders like Attila the Hun, posed a significant threat to the Roman Empire and its western division. They were known for their fierce and aggressive military tactics.
In India, the Huns, often referred to as the White Huns or the Hephthalites, invaded during the Gupta Empire, around the 5th and 6th centuries CE. Skandagupta, one of the Gupta emperors, is famous for successfully repelling Hun invasions during his reign.
The Huns left a mark on the history of various regions they invaded, but their origins and the details of their culture remain a subject of historical study and debate. They were nomadic and warlike people who had a significant impact on the political landscape of their time.
Huns Entry in India
The Huns were a nomadic tribe from Central Asia, known as one of the most savage groups of their time. They had firmly established themselves in the northwestern regions of Asia. In Indian history, the names of Hun rulers like Toramana and his son Mihirakula are well-known. After conquering Punjab and Malwa, the Huns established a lasting presence in India.
Nomadic Tribes
Around a hundred years before and after the beginning of the Common Era, there existed various nomadic and warrior tribes in different regions of the world. Some of these included the “Nomads,” “Vikings,” “Normans,” “Goths,” “Khazars,” “Shakas,” and “Huns,” among others. The Huns were known as one of the most brutal tribes of their time. They had established their dominion in various parts of Europe and North-West Asia. The Huns also played a significant role in dismantling the Roman Empire. Attila the Hun, during the 4th and 5th centuries CE, notably expanded their empire into Europe. In Central Asia, they settled during the 6th and 7th centuries CE, particularly starting from the Kokeshas region.
Invasions on India
In the northwestern part of India, there are several accounts of devastation and plunder by the Huns. During the Gupta era, the Huns had gained control over Punjab and Malwa. They also caused damage to Taxila. The invasion in India was led by Hun leaders Toramana and his son Mihirakula. In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, the Huns caused damage to temples, and Buddhist and Jain stupas, and engaged in looting. Several Hun coins have also been discovered in Mathura.
The Huns initiated their first invasion of India during the 5th century CE. In 455 CE, Skandagupta pushed them back, but later, around 500 CE, the Huns, under the leadership of Toramana, established themselves as independent rulers in Malwa. His son made Siyalkot in Punjab his capital and spread terror in the region. Ultimately, in a combined effort, King Yashodharman of Malwa and Baladitya defeated them in 528 CE. Despite this defeat, the Huns did not return to Central Asia but chose to settle in India, where they eventually embraced Hinduism.