Fascinating story, I was familiar with the European Huns, but not so much with the White Huns. Comparatively speaking, the White Huns were probably as powerful as Attila's Huns, but built a more durable empire.
True, though they ranked lower in the Hunnic social hierarchy, their impact on history was more lasting. Attila and the Black Huns were more like Alexander, everyone looked up to them but the empire crumbled as soon as Attila died.
I suspect it was the Kidarites who destroyed the university because most sources talk about an abandonment by the 5th century, so the raids during Skandagupta’s reign must have been the nail on the coffin.
Mihirakula was his real name as we have coins mentioning the same.
The Hepthalite and Sassanian clashes inspired a nationalistic writing of history in Iran where the Sassanid kings traced their lineage to the semi mythical Kayanian dynasty. In India mihirakula and his Huns are well remembered but strangely the Aulikaras who repelled them are largely forgotten.
But the public perception of White Huns isn't comparable to Attila’s legacy in Europe. Their contributions are a distant memory.
Fascinating story, I was familiar with the European Huns, but not so much with the White Huns. Comparatively speaking, the White Huns were probably as powerful as Attila's Huns, but built a more durable empire.
True, though they ranked lower in the Hunnic social hierarchy, their impact on history was more lasting. Attila and the Black Huns were more like Alexander, everyone looked up to them but the empire crumbled as soon as Attila died.
Mihirkula is said to be responsible for destruction of Takshashila.
Is Mihirkula is actual name Or translation of his Hunnic name into Sanskrit.
It would be interesting to know more about conversion of Huns to Hinduism.
I suspect it was the Kidarites who destroyed the university because most sources talk about an abandonment by the 5th century, so the raids during Skandagupta’s reign must have been the nail on the coffin.
Mihirakula was his real name as we have coins mentioning the same.
A very nice and detailed narrative of the white hunt. Impressive depth.
Prateek, you are diving deeper all the time! Well done, my friend.
Thanks, Andrew, for your encouragement. I'm glad you like the new style!
Are these peoples as well-known in India and Iran as Attila’s Huns in Europe?
The Hepthalite and Sassanian clashes inspired a nationalistic writing of history in Iran where the Sassanid kings traced their lineage to the semi mythical Kayanian dynasty. In India mihirakula and his Huns are well remembered but strangely the Aulikaras who repelled them are largely forgotten.
But the public perception of White Huns isn't comparable to Attila’s legacy in Europe. Their contributions are a distant memory.
Fabulous to read! Well done for collating all
this varied histories: thanks!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Excellent article! I will be adding some interesting tid bits on them in continuation with your article.
Again, well done 👏🏻
Look forward to it!