Hephthalite Expansion in Central Asia

Timeline

1. 460–500Bactria · BactriaThe Hephthalites consolidated control over Bactria south of the Amu Darya, then pushed southeast, defeating local Kushan remnants and northern Indian kingdoms, opening the route into Gandhara.
2. 501–530Gandhara · GandharaHephthalite forces penetrated the Gandhara basin, controlling Buddhist centers such as Peshawar and Taxila. Although Hephthalite rulers later converted to Buddhism, their conquests caused destruction of monasteries and political turmoil, and Gandhara Buddhist art underwent a transformation in this period.
3. 530–550Upper Indus basin · Indus basinAt its height the Hephthalite Empire's territory spanned from Central Asia to the upper Ganges basin, fought multiple wars with Sasanian Persia, and forced the Gupta Empire of North India to pay tribute. After reaching the limits of expansion, the Hephthalites faced pressure from a Turkic pincer movement from the north and Persia from the west.