Arunid Empire
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| 372 BC–884 CE | |||||||
| Religion | Hindi, Jain | ||||||
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| Demonym(s) | Aruni | ||||||
| Government | Empire | ||||||
| Emperor | |||||||
| Historical era | Classical antiquity | ||||||
• Established | 372 BC | ||||||
• Armies beaten by the Oduniyyad Caliphate | 884 CE | ||||||
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| Today part of |  Battganuur Bulkh Kandara Tapakdore Peshabiwar Pukhgundi Umardwal | ||||||
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The Arunid Empire was a powerful Hindu empire im the Daria region of Audonia during Classical Antiquity (~372 BCE - 884 CE). It dominated the trade networks of the Aab-e-Farus and it's landed provinces stretched from modern day Kandara all the way to Battganuur. It's armies were unstoppable in the Classical period but it's over extension I'm western Daria not only led to corruption and weak administration, but it stretched the armies of the empire top thin and it was eventually expelled from western Daria by Muslim armies, and then totally crushed by the Oduniyyad Caliphate.
It's origin, capital, and powerbase was in what is now Pukhgundi, where the vestiges of ots legacy can still be most obviously seen. While it was a very cosmopolitan empire made up of thousands of ethnic groups, religions, and languages, the ruling class was Pukhti from modern Pukhgundi.
History
The Arunid Empire was formed when the King of Pukh's, Arun, father-in-law died and he inherited his wife's family kingdom in 372 BCE. This dual kingdom became a powerhouse in the region and Arun's son, Aadesh, became a great general,diplomat, and then king in his own right. The Arunid dynasty was ruthless and shrewd. Fathers and mothers teaching the art of cunning and guile to their children, punishing sloth and greed to ensure that ambition was a key factor of every new generation. There were 500 years of continuous expansion both through military conquest and through trade and diplomacy. They were to Daria what Cao was to Dolong. In fact, these empires were strong trading partners and military allies against the Huns of northern Dolong.
One of the most revered rulers in Arunid history was Emperor Ashoka, who ascended to the throne in 268 BCE. Known for his conversion to Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war, Ashoka pursued a policy of non-violence and religious tolerance. His reign marked a golden age for the empire, with the spread of Buddhism throughout the region and the construction of the famous Ashoka Pillars.The Arunid Empire experienced a period of cultural flourishing during this era. Its cosmopolitan cities, such as Peshawar and Taxila, became centers of learning and trade, attracting scholars and merchants from across the known world. Art, literature, and philosophy thrived, with the synthesis of Pukhti, Persian, and Istroyan influences.
As the 7th century dawned, the Arunid Empire faced growing external pressures. The emergence of the Oduniyyad Caliphate brought a new force into the region, driven by religious zeal and military might. Caliphal forces began encroaching on Arunid territories, sparking a series of conflicts that would culminate in a decisive battle in 884 CE. The Battle of Neshapur in 884 CE marked the end of the Arunid Empire. Caliphal forces, led by General Al-Abbas, proved too formidable, and the Arunid capital fell. The empire was dissolved, and its territories were gradually absorbed into the expanding Oduniyyad Caliphate.