CHAPTER-16 : Iranian and Macedonian Invasions
Ancient History of India
OLD NCERT
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Iranian Invasion of India
- Conqueror:Darius, Achaemenian ruler of Iran (516 BCE)
- Extent of Conquest:Punjab (west of Indus) and Sindh
- Impact:
- Increased Indo-Iranian trade
- Introduction of Kharoshthi script (right-to-left writing)
- Use of Iranian coins in northwest India
- Architectural influence on Ashoka’s pillars
- Potential influence on Ashoka’s edicts (terms and preamble)
Alexander’s Invasion of India
Context:
- Led by Alexander the Great in 4th century BCE after defeating the Achaemenid Empire.
Favorable Conditions for Alexander:
- Northwest India was divided into small, independent states.
- Two key rulers: Ambhi (Taxila) and Porus (Jhelum-Chenab kingdom).
Invasion and Outcome:
- Crossed Khyber Pass in 326 BCE.
- Faced strongest resistance from Porus, who was ultimately defeated.
Effects:
- Encouraged political unification under the Mauryas.
- Ended the system of small independent states.
- Established direct contact between India and Greece.
- Increased trade routes between India and West Asia.
- Alexander’s authority was short-lived due to the Mauryan expansion
Political Conditions on the Eve of Alexander’s Invasion
- Fragmentation:Numerous small kingdoms existed in northwest India.
- Key rulers: Ambhi (Taxila), Abhisara, Porus (Jhelum-Chenab).
- Republics like Nysa existed.
- Disunity:Constant conflicts between these northwestern states.
- Failure to form a common front against external threats.
Causes of Alexander’s Invasion
- Expansionist Aims:Succeeding his father Philip in 334 BCE, Alexander conquered Persia.
- Sought further conquests eastward and to reclaim the lost Persian Satrapy of India.
- Allure of Wealth: Greek writings like Herodotus fueled his desire for India’s riches.
- Scientific Curiosity:Interested in geographical exploration and natural history.
- Misconceptions:Believed the eastern sea bordered India, marking the world’s edge.
The Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum)
- 327 BCE:Alexander crossed the Hindu Kush Mountains, battling tribes for nearly a year.
- February 326 BCE:Crossed the Indus River with a bridge of boats.
- Taxila’s Support:Received a warm welcome from Ambhi, ruler of Taxila.
- Porus’ Defiance:Refused to surrender to Alexander, leading to a clash.
- Outcome:Despite a strong army, Porus was defeated. Alexander, impressed by his bravery, reinstated him.
Alexander’s Retreat
- Advance to Beas River:Faced resistance from local tribes.
- Soldier Fatigue:Troops refused to fight further, yearning for home.
- Return and Legacy:
- Alexander made arrangements for conquered territories.
- Divided the Indus-Beas region into three provinces with governors.
- Experienced attacks from republican tribes during retreat.
- Fell ill and died in Babylon (323 BCE).
- His authority in India was short-lived due to the rise of the Mauryas.
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