Second Hunnic War

The Second Hunnic War commenced with Mihirakula's ascension to power in West Punjab around 515 AD, succeeding his father, Toramana. Initially, Mihirakula's authority seemed lesser compared to his father's, as indicated by numismatic evidence. In 520, Song Yun encountered the "King of the Huns" along the Jhelum River, where the Northern Wei envoy depicted him as having a violent demeanor and being responsible for massacres, resulting in an unpleasant meeting.

Mihirakula consolidated his control in India by emulating his father's initial campaign, as implied by an inscription found in a temple of the Sun at Gwalior, between the Chambal and Betwa rivers. The inscription suggests that the Sun Temple at Surāj Kund might have been a Hun temple, possibly housing a garrison. Mātrceta, rumored to be associated with King Mihirakula, could have been a beneficiary of the foundation's success, indicating ties between the Hunnic and Iranian cultures.

It is proposed that the garrison might have included individuals of Iranian descent, with a temple catering to their religious needs by combining Indian and Iranian sun gods, Surya (Bhanu) and Mithra, respectively. This religious syncretism is reminiscent of Roman legionary stations, which often contained Mithraea.

Mihirakula's domain extended from Gwalior Hill in eastern Malwa to Sialkot in northern Punjab, forming a corridor bordered by the Aulikara kingdom of Yashodharman to the southwest and the territory of the Maukharis to the northeast, who had previously seized parts of the Ganga-Yamuna Plain. This territorial expanse facilitated Mihirakula's strategic position in the region.