First Hunnic War

First Hunnic War
	Part of Gupta–Hunnic Wars
Date	502–515 CE
Location	Malwa, Kosambi, Eran
Result	Gupta Empire victory
Territorial; changes	Alchon Huns troops retreated to the area of Punjab
Belligerents
Alchon Huns	Gupta Empire Second Aulikara dynasty;
Commanders and leaders
Toramana	Narasimhagupta; Bhanugupta; Budhagupta; Goparaja; Prakashadharma

The Hunnic invasion of the Gupta Empire was a pivotal event in ancient Indian history, facilitated by the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire, notably its feudal system. This structure allowed the Huna king to garner support from local chiefs, aiding in their invasion. The inscriptions discovered in Eran shed light on this dynamic.

During the reign of Budhagupta, the inscription dated to Gupta era 165 (484 AD) highlights constructions by Maharaja Matrivshnu and his brother Dhanyavishnu. However, following Matrivshnu's demise, Dhanyavishnu's inscription during the rule of Toramana Sahi Jauvla indicates his allegiance shift to the Huna invader, likely occurring after 484 AD.

Another inscription from Gupta era 191 (510 AD) recounts a battle where King Bhanugupta fought against the Hunas, resulting in the death of his general Goparaja. This battle aimed to halt Huna incursions into eastern Malwa or expel them from the region. The exact date of Huna occupation remains uncertain, but Toramana likely established his rule in Malwa around 510 AD.

The Eran inscription of Bhanugupta has undergone different translations, leading to varying interpretations. Initially translated in 1888, it suggested Bhanugupta's encounter with Toramana in 510 CE. However, a revised translation in 1981 indicates a battle against the "Maittras," possibly the Maitrakas, eliminating the suggestion of a battle with Toramana.

A decisive battle in Malwa saw Bhanugupta's defeat by Toramana, leading to the Huna conquest of the region. Toramana's conquest extended to Magadha, forcing Gupta Emperor Narasimhagupta Baladitya to retreat to Bengal. Toramana's inscription in Eran confirms his rule over eastern Malwa.

Toramana's reign marked a period of political upheaval, with his conquests stretching from Uttar Pradesh to Gauda. His strategic approach leveraged internal discord within the Gupta empire, consolidating his power in central provinces. Toramana was finally defeated by local Indian rulers, with King Prakashadharma defeating him in 515 CE, marking the end of the First Hunnic War.

The Manjusri-mula-kalpa notes Toramana's death in Benares as he returned westward from battles with Narasimhagupta. The Hunnic defeat led to their retreat to Punjab, ending the First Hunnic War and reshaping the political landscape of ancient India.

^ Bakker 2020, pp. 484–534.
^ Cite error: The named reference Bakker2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ N. K. Ojha (2001). The Aulikaras of Central India: history and inscriptions. Chandigarh: Arun Pub. House. pp. 48–50. ISBN 978-81-85212-78-4.

[FOOTNOTEBakker2020484–534-1] Bakker 2020, pp. 484–534.

[Bakker2014-2] Cite error: The named reference Bakker2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[Ojha2001-3] N. K. Ojha (2001). The Aulikaras of Central India: history and inscriptions. Chandigarh: Arun Pub. House. pp. 48–50. ISBN 978-81-85212-78-4.

[1]

[2]

[3]