Huns vs Guptas: How a Dreaded Tribe Shattered India's Golden Age

• The Gupta period, known as India's 'Golden Age,' saw advancements in art, science, and prosperity, but was challenged by nomadic Huns.
• The Huns, also known as 'White Huns' or 'Hephthalites,' were formidable Central Asian warriors renowned for their horseback riding and archery.
• Emperor Skandagupta initially repelled a major Hun invasion around 455 AD, protecting the empire for another fifty years.
• After Skandagupta's death, Hun leaders Toramana and his cruel son Mihirakula ('India's Attila') caused widespread destruction, targeting Buddhist sites.
• The Huns' invasions led to the Gupta Empire's decline through economic ruin, trade disruption (especially the Silk Route), and political fragmentation, though they were eventually defeated by Yashodharman and Narasimhagupta.

Why It Matters: The Hun invasions ended India's Gupta Golden Age, causing economic and political collapse, but also showed India's resilience.