history of the Alexander’s Invasion of India (327-325 B.C.)

                                           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. In short, the northwestern India
remained the most disunited part of India and the rulers were fighting
with one another. They never come together against common enemy.
Yet, it was not easy for Alexander to overcome so many sources of
opposition.

                                                         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, hethought 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 February 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.

Alexander continued his march as far as the river Beas

encountering opposition from the local tribes. He wanted to proceed

still further eastwards towards the Gangetic valley. But he could not

do so because his soldiers refused to fight. Hardships of prolonged

warfare made them tired and they wanted to return home. Alexander

could not persuade them and therefore decided to return. He made

arrangements to look after his conquered territories in India. He

divided the whole territory from the Indus to the Beas into three

provinces and put them under his governors. His retreat began in

October 326 B.C. and the return journey was not free from ordeals.

Many republican tribes attacked his army. Anyhow he managed to

reach beyond the Indus. On his way he reached Babylon where he

fell seriously ill and died in 323 B.C