Alexander’s Invasion of India (327-325 B.C.)
Political Condition on the eve of Alexander’s Invasion:
· After two centuries of the Persian invasion, Alexander from Macedonia invaded India.
· On the eve of his invasion, there were a number of small kingdoms in northwestern India.
· The leading kings were Ambhi of Taxila, the ruler of Abhisara and Porus who ruled the region between the rivers of Jhelum and Chenab.
· There were many republican states like Nysa.
Causes of the Invasion:
· Alexander ascended the throne of Macedonia after the death of his father Philip in 334 B.C.
· He conquered the whole of Persia by defeating Darius III in the battle of Arbela in 330 B.C.
· He also aimed at further conquest eastwards and wanted to recover the lost Persian Satrapy of India.
· The writings of Greek authors like Herodotus about the fabulous wealth of India attracted Alexander. Moreover, his interest in geographical enquiry and love of natural history urged him to undertake an invasion of India.
· He believed that on the eastern side of India there was the continuation of the sea, according the geographical knowledge of his period. So, he thought that by conquering India, he would also conquer the eastern boundary of the world.
Battle of Hydaspes:
· In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindukush Mountains and spent nearly ten months in fighting with the tribes.
· He crossed the Indus in 326 B.C. with the help of the bridge of boats.
· He was warmly received by Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila.
· From there Alexander sent a message to Porus to submit. But Porus refused and decided to fight against Alexander. Then Alexander marched from Taxila to the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum).
· On the other side of the river he saw the vast army of Porus.
· As there were heavy floods in the river, Alexander was not able to cross it. After a few days, he crossed the river and the famous battle of Hydaspes was fought on the plains of Karri. It was a well-contested battle.
· Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle. Alexander was impressed by the courage and heroism of this Indian prince, treated him generously and reinstated him on his throne.
Effects of Alexander’s invasion:
· The immediate effect of Alexander’s invasion was that it encouraged political unification of north India under the Mauryas.
· The system of small independent states came to an end.
· Alexander’s invasion had also paved the way for direct contact between India and Greece.
· The routes opened by him and his naval explorations increased the existing facilities for trade between India and West Asia.
· However, his aim of annexing the northwestern India to his empire was not fulfilled due his premature death.
· His authority in the Indus valley was a short-lived one because of the expansion of Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.
(Source: Tamil Nadu State syllabus XI standard History Book)