Mihirakula was the son of Toramana, the founder of Huna Empire in India. He is described as "The Record of the Western Regions" by Hiuen tsang as a ruler who started to conquer neighbouring territories. As per the Gwalior inscription issued in the 15th regal year his sovereignty extended at up to Gwalior. He was defeated by the Aulikara king Yasodharman of Malwa in 528, and the Gupta emperor Narasimhagupta Baladitya.

In 515, Mihirakula, instituted a brief devastating persecution of Buddhism. It is believed that his troops destroyed fourteen hundred monasteries. The worst damage was in the Gandhari plains, Kashmir, and north western India, the areas ruled by him. He did not implement his policy in the more remote areas of his empire for instance Swat. The monasteries of Samarkand were completely emptied of monks but not destroyed though.

He had been driven off the plains of northern India by 533 and took refuge in Kashmir with his capital at Sialkot. It is believed that he died of disease in 533. However in contemporary Indian history he is known to have destroyed temples and monasteries as he was against Buddhism. He is supposed to be the worshipper of Lord Shiva.

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