6_Glorious_Epochs_of_Indian_History

4TH GLORIOUS EPOCH
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battle with the irresistible Huns, destroying them steadily
but surely for years together^^. The result was that even the
innumerable forces of these Huns gradually lost their strength
and energy and dared cross the frontiers of the Gupta Empire
no more. Why, they could not even defend the places they
held so far against the aggressive and fierce impact of the
•Guptas. The remaining troops of the Huns, therefore, fled
clean out of the Indian frontiers through the very passes they
had come in. This crushing defeat kept the Huns away from
India for the next forty years or so^'.
THE BRAVE SKUNDGUPTA
272. After having fought continuously for years on end
and having defeated the most powerful enemy who had al­
ready brought to their knees the greatest empires of the world,
Skundgupta proudly returned to his father at Pataliputra,
where the victorious Prince was greeted with unprecedented
enthusiasm, pomp and gloryOld Emperor Kumargupta's
joy can easily be imagined. It knew no bounds. In order
to celebrate this singular success Kumargupta performed
the Horse-sacrifice (sr'?^^) according to the age-old Indian
tradition".
DEATH OF KUMARGUPTA
273. Shortly after this, the old emperor Kumargupta
died, having satisfactorily fulfilled his life-mission. He was
succeeded by his eminent son, Skundgupta, many of whose
memorable deeds showing his rare abilities cannot be
recounted here for M'ant of space and also because they do
not directly bear upon the present theme.
274. While Skundgupta was thus ruling in India another
Hunnish adventurer, Khikhil by name, organized their scat­
tered forces in Asia, as Attila before him had done in Europe,
and founded another kingdom and styled himself a king.
Towards the end of Emperor Skundgupta's career this new
Hunnish adventurer marched towards India at the head of a
powerful army with a view to avenging the ignoble defeat the