Mihirakulas

Mihirakula was a ruler of the Alchon Huns, a nomadic group that established a kingdom in the Indian subcontinent. He is believed to have reigned in the early 6th century CE. Historical accounts, primarily from Chinese sources like the *Book of Liang* and the *Book of Northern Qi*, and Indian sources like Kalhana's *Rajatarangini*, describe him as a powerful but often brutal conqueror.

His reign is associated with significant military campaigns across northern India. The *Rajatarangini* portrays him as a particularly harsh ruler who engaged in widespread destruction and persecution, especially of Buddhists. While the exact extent of his empire is debated, it is generally understood to have encompassed parts of Gandhara, Punjab, and potentially extended into central India.

Mihirakula's administration and the exact nature of his influence are subjects of ongoing scholarly discussion. His campaigns are often linked to the decline of certain Indian dynasties and the movement of populations. The image of Mihirakula as a destroyer, particularly of Buddhist institutions, has left a lasting impression in historical narratives, though some modern scholars suggest a more nuanced interpretation of the available evidence. His reign marks a turbulent period in the history of northwestern India.