Achaemenian and Macedonian Invasions

A.6.1] Persian Invasion of West India

Background

• The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) was the first major empire to unite the Iranian plateau and extend its influence into South Asia.
• The invasion of West India by the Persians was part of the larger Achaemenid expansion into the Indian subcontinent.

Key Events and Dates

• 516 BCE: Darius I of Persia begins the construction of the Royal Road and initiates the expansion into the Indian subcontinent.
• 515 BCE: Darius I sends a royal envoy, Daryavesh, to the Indian subcontinent to establish diplomatic and commercial relations.
• 513 BCE: Darius I launches the first major military expedition into the Indian subcontinent under the command of Scylax of Caryandice.
• 512 BCE: Darius I sends a second expedition under Mardonius and Cyrus the Younger to subdue the Indian territories.
• 500 BCE: The Indus Valley is under Persian control, and the Satrap of Arachosia (modern-day Afghanistan) is responsible for administering the region.

Key Figures

• Darius I – Achaemenid King who initiated the Persian expansion into West India.
• Scylax of Caryandice – Greek historian and explorer who led the first Persian expedition to the Indian subcontinent.
• Mardonius – A general of Darius I who led military campaigns in the Indian subcontinent.

Key Locations

• Arachosia – Modern-day Afghanistan, a key region under Persian control.
• Indus Valley – The region of modern-day Pakistan, under Persian administration.
• Sind – The region of modern-day Sindh, part of the Persian-controlled territories.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Satrap – A provincial governor appointed by the Achaemenid Empire to administer regions like Arachos, Sindh, and the Indus Valley.
• Royal Road – A network of roads built by Darius I to facilitate communication and military movement across the empire.
• Diplomatic Envoys – Officials sent to establish trade and political relations with foreign powers.

Important Facts for Exams (SSC, RRB)

• The Persians first invaded West India under Darius I in the 6th century BCE.
• Scylax of Caryandice was the first Greek to reach the Indus Valley.
• The region of Arachosia was a key administrative center under Persian rule.
• The Achaemenid Empire controlled the Indus Valley and parts of modern-day Pakistan.

A.6.2] Alexander’s Invasion of West India

Background

• After the conquest of the Achaemenid Empire, Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE) led his Macedonian forces into the Indian subcontinent.
• The invasion was part of Alexander’s broader campaign to expand the Macedonian Empire and secure trade routes.

Key Events and Dates

• 326 BCE: Alexander enters the Indian subcontinent after defeating the Indus Valley and the Punjabi region.
• 325 BCE: Alexander reaches the Hyphasis River (modern-day Beas River), where his troops mutiny and refuse to proceed further.
• 324 BCE: Alexander begins the Indus River campaign, establishing cities like Alexandria on the Indus.
• 323 BCE: Alexander dies in Babylon, and his empire is divided among his generals, leading to the Diadochi Wars.

Key Figures

• Alexander the Great – Macedonian king who led the invasion of West India.
• Porus – King of the Paurava Kingdom, who defeated Alexander at the Battle of the Hydaspes.
• Nabaraj – A local ruler who resisted Alexander’s advance in the Punjab region.
• Eudemus – A Macedonian general who continued Alexander’s campaign after his death.

Key Locations

• Hyphasis River – The river where Alexander’s troops mutinied.
• Punjab Region – The core of Alexander’s military campaigns in the Indian subcontinent.
• Indus River – The region where Alexander founded the city of Alexandria on the Indus.
• Hydaspes River – The site of the Battle of the Hydaspes, where Alexander defeated Porus.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Hydaspes River – The river where Alexander defeated Porus in 326 BCE.
• Paurava Kingdom – The kingdom ruled by Porus, located in the Punjab region.
• Diadochi Wars – The series of wars fought among Alexander’s generals after his death.
• Alexandria on the Indus – A city founded by Alexander in the Indus Valley.

Important Facts for Exams (SSC, RRB)

• Alexander invaded West India after conquering the Achaemenid Empire.
• The Battle of the Hydaspes was fought against King Porus.
• Alexander founded the city of Alexandria on the Indus.
• His invasion ended with the mutiny at the Hyphasis River.
• The Diadochi Wars followed the death of Alexander in 323 BCE.

Comparison Table: Persian vs. Macedonian Invasions

Summary for Quick Revision

• Persian Invasion: Darius I led the first major Persian incursion into West India in the 6th century BCE, establishing administrative control over regions like Arachosia and the Indus Valley.
• Macedonian Invasion: Alexander the Great invaded West India in the 4th century BCE, defeating Porus at the Hydaspes River and founding Alexandria on the Indus.
• Both invasions had significant impacts on the political and cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent.