Alexander Invasion Of India
Alexander, the son of Philip of Macedonia, is widely recognized as one of the greatest conquerors of the ancient world. In 335 BC, at the age of twenty, he assumed the throne. Driven by his ambition to conquer the world, Alexander assembled a large army and launched his campaign in 334 BC. After securing his position by defeating neighbouring powers between 334 and 330 BC, he turned his attention to Persia and waged war against them. Alexander succeeded in conquering Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt.
ALEXANDER'S EXPEDITION IN INDIA
Alexander was attracted to the wealth of India. Just before his invasion, there were many small rulers in northwest India, such as Ambhi of Taxila and Porus of the Jhelum region (Hydaspes).
Ambhi accepted Alexander's sovereignty, but Porus waged a courageous but unsuccessful fight. Alexander was so fascinated by Porus's combat skills that he gave him back his territory, and Porus may have adopted lordship.
The Battle of Hydaspes is the battle between Alexander and Porus. After that, Alexander's army crossed the Chenab River, annexing the tribes between Ravi and Chenab. However, his army refused to cross the Beas River and revolted, exhausted after years of battles. In 326 BC, Alexander was forced to retreat.
He died in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32 on his way back. The Greek Empire split in 321 BC after his death. Alexander left four of his generals in northwest India in charge of four areas, one of whom was Seleucus I Nicator, who later traded with Chandragupta Maurya for his territories in the Indus Valley. Eudamas was Alexander's last general in India.
Ambhi accepted Alexander's sovereignty, but Porus waged a courageous but unsuccessful fight. Alexander was so fascinated by Porus's combat skills that he gave him back his territory, and Porus may have adopted lordship.
The Battle of Hydaspes is the battle between Alexander and Porus. After that, Alexander's army crossed the Chenab River, annexing the tribes between Ravi and Chenab. However, his army refused to cross the Beas River and revolted, exhausted after years of battles. In 326 BC, Alexander was forced to retreat.
He died in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32 on his way back. The Greek Empire split in 321 BC after his death. Alexander left four of his generals in northwest India in charge of four areas, one of whom was Seleucus I Nicator, who later traded with Chandragupta Maurya for his territories in the Indus Valley. Eudamas was Alexander's last general in India.
EFFECTS OF ALEXANDER INVASION OF INDIA
- When ancient Europe came into contact with ancient India, Alexander's invasion provided the first opportunity to establish direct contact in various fields between India and Greece. The campaign of Alexander opened up four distinct land and sea routes, paving the way for Greek merchants and craftsmen. It also led to the establishment of more Greek settlements, with Alexandria in the Kabul region, Boukephalc on the Jhelum, and Alexandria in Sindh being the most important of them.
- During the invasion, Alexander saw the mysterious ocean for the first time at the mouth of the Indus, which interested him deeply. He sent his fleet to explore the coast and search for harbours from the mouth of the Indus to that of the Euphrates under his friend Nearchus. The historians of Alexander left valuable geographical accounts and dated records of the campaign, which allowed Indian chronology to be built on a definite basis for subsequent events. They also provide important information about social and economic conditions, such as the sati system and the fine breed of oxen in northwestern India.
- Alexander's invasion paved the way for the expansion of the Maurya Empire in the area. According to historians, Chandragupta Maurya observed the work of Alexander's army and acquired some knowledge that helped him to destroy the Nandas.