Invasion of Alexander The Great

• In 327 BC, Alexander the Great journeyed to India, following his conquests in Syria, Egypt, and Persia. 
• During the fourth century BC, there was a significant conflict between Greece and Iran, and Alexander played a crucial role in the Greeks’ victory. 
• He extended his conquests to include Iran, and the allure of India’s immense wealth enticed him to continue his campaign. 
• Greek writers like Herodotus portrayed India as a mythical kingdom, influencing Alexander to set his sights on it. 
• Alexander had a keen interest in geography and natural history, among other subjects.

Alexander’s Expedition To India

• Alexander’s expedition to India was facilitated by the political situation in north-western India, where several independent kingdoms and tribal republics existed. 
• These regions were deeply connected to their territories and leaders. 
• Among these, Ambhi, the prince of Taxila, and Porus, who ruled between the Jhelum and the Chenab rivers, were significant rulers. 
• While they could have joined forces to resist Alexander, they couldn’t unite, leaving the Khyber Pass vulnerable.
• After conquering Iran, Alexander proceeded to Kabul and crossed the Khyber Pass into India, reaching the Indus River. When he arrived in India, Ambhi, the king of Taxila, quickly surrendered and aligned with Alexander. The most challenging opposition came from Porus as Alexander crossed the Jhelum River, despite Alexander’s eventual victory.
• Porus’s bravery caught Alexander’s attention, and he returned his kingdom to him, forming an alliance.
• Continuing eastward, Alexander aimed to explore further, but his weary and disease-ridden troops refused to accompany him. 
• After a decade of warfare in India’s hot climate, they were homesick. They also recognized the formidable Indian combat skills along the banks of the Indus, which led to their decision to halt their march.
• When it came to military strength, the Indians were formidable, and the Ganges River had particular significance for Greek warriors. 
• The Nandas, rulers of Magadha, had an army even larger than Alexander’s. 
• Despite Alexander’s repeated pleas to continue his campaign, the Greek soldiers were resolute. This was the first time Alexander had faced defeat, despite his previous victories. 
• His dreams of establishing an eastern empire remained unfulfilled.

Regions Conquered By Alexander

• Alexander conquered several small republics in India before making his way back across the subcontinent. 
• The 19 months he spent battling in India from 326 to 325 BCE were challenging and hurried. Although he had some plans of his own, most of the states he conquered were returned to local rulers who agreed to his terms. 
• However, he divided his territory into three parts, each administered by a different Greek governor.
• Alexander’s invasion of India marked a significant historical encounter between ancient Europe and India, with notable consequences.
• Although Alexander achieved success in his Indian campaign, the Greek territories in India were eventually taken over by the Maurya dynasty rulers, who added a vast Indian province to their empire.
• When it came to military strength, the Indians were formidable, and the Ganges River had particular significance for Greek warriors. 
• The Nandas, rulers of Magadha, had an army even larger than Alexander’s. 
• Despite Alexander’s repeated pleas to continue his campaign, the Greek soldiers were resolute. This was the first time Alexander had faced defeat, despite his previous victories. His dreams of establishing an eastern empire remained unfulfilled.

MCQ Test on Invasion of Alexander