Alexander’s Invasion

Alexander-the great is also commonly known as the Alexander of Macedonia or Alexander the Great. He was one of the most significant generals in History. He created one of the greatest empires of the Ancient World and is well-known among historians. 

He was born in Macedonia in 356 BCE. At a young age, he was tutored by Aristotle. He gained his love for science, medicine, and botany through Aristotle’s teachings. Therefore, he hired and included botanists and Scientists in his army, for researching the lands that Alexander conquered. After his father’s assassination, Alexander became the ruler of Macedonia, at the early age of 20. He was also elected as the commander of the invasion around Asia. Therefore, Alexander’s invasion began in 334 BCE through South-west Asia and North-east Africa. 

The land that Alexander invaded was built into several new cities. He conquered lands in Egypt, parts of middle-east, lands of the Persian Dynasty, and the shores of the Ganga River. After invading the shores of Ganga, his army refused to continue. At the age of 32, Alexander passed away (323 BCE). 

One of the most significant battles that Alexander fought was the Battle of Hydaspes. 

Battle of Hydaspes

The battle of Hydaspes was the last and final battle fought by Alexander during his conquest journey. This was fought between Alexander and the Ruler of Paurava- King Porus on the shores of Hydaspes in Punjab. It was the battle in which Alexander came closest to defeat. King Porus tried blocking Alexander’s entry into Northern India after he invaded Persia. The battle of Hydaspes came about in 326 BCE. The battle of Hydaspes resulted in the victory of Alexander and the Porus had to surrender. 

The battle also opened up the gates of the Indian subcontinent to Alexander, and later the Greek social and political philosophers and influencers. 

Let us discuss briefly the impacts of his invasion of India. 

Impacts

There were several impacts of Alexander’s invasion. However, Alexander’s invasion of India lasted for two years. 

• Cultural Impact: Alexander’s Invasion in India brought about cultural changes within the country. Culture does not see racial or demographic indications. Alexander was very curious and wanted to know about the critical portrayal of Indian Ascetics and philosophers of the subcontinent. In addition, King Saubhuti imitated the Greek Coins. India came across Greek astronomy, Hellenistic art, etc. Emperor Kanishka brought sculptors from the settlements of the Greeks in Bactria. 
• Commercial Impact: In addition to political and cultural impact, Alexander’s invasion of India also brought about some commercial changes. He opened up the route between the Indian Subcontinent and the Western world. 
• Political Impact: With Alexander’s invasion of India, several independent states were wiped out. However, after he departed from the subcontinent- powerful empires like the Mauryan empire came into being. It is said that Alexander’s Invasion promoted political unification in the subcontinent. He fought with smaller empires and rulers and won the victory against them. Chanakya also used the lessons of the Battle of Hydaspes for training the Mauryan army. The lessons were taken as the war token by Chanakya. 

Rise of Chandragupta Maurya

Chandragupta Maurya defeated Alexander and Nicator while forcing them to give up a large proportion of their land. With a year of Alexander’s departure from the Indian Subcontinent, Chandragupta Maurya took over a majority portion of the Country. He became one of the greatest rulers and ruled one of the greatest empires of Indian History. If seen critically, Alexander’s invasion of India paved the way for the Mauryan Empire. It helped Chandragupta Maurya to subtend his imperial power in the lands and areas that were previously invaded by the Greeks. 

After conquering the majority portion of the subcontinent. Chandragupta Maurya went on to conquer the Nanda Dynasty. Most of Dhana Nanda’s citizens were fed up with his tyrant ruling and attempted to join Chandragupta’s army. With the teaching of Chanakya and the strategic skills, of Chandragupta Maurya, he had won the hearts of the citizens of Magadha. Hence, Dhana Nanda resigned from his post and Chandragupta became the new ruler of Magadha. 

Conclusion

Alexander of Macedonia was one of the most significant generals in History. He created one of the greatest empires of the Ancient World and is well-known among historians. Alexander invasions began in 334 BCE through South-west Asia and North-east Africa. One of the most significant battles that Alexander fought was the Battle of Hydaspes. This was fought between Alexander and the Ruler of Paurava- King Porus on the shores of Hydaspes in Punjab. It was the battle in which Alexander came closest to defeat. The lessons learned from the Battle were taken as the war token for training the Mauryan Army.