6. PERSIAN AND GREEK INVASIONS

6. PERSIAN AND GREEK INVASIONS

6.1 Persian (Achaemenid) Invasions

• Cyrus the Great (Achaemenid Persia) attacked Indian tribes across the Hindukush around 6th century BCE (first foreign invasion).
• Darius I (522–486 BCE) annexed Punjab and Sindh (Indus region) around 516 BCE — made it the 20th satrapy (province) of the Persian Empire; this region was the richest/most populous Persian satrapy.
• Impact: Introduced Kharosthi script (written right to left, derived from Aramaic) to NW India; influence on Mauryan art (bell-shaped capitals, polish) traced to Persian influence (Persepolis).

6.2 Alexander's Invasion of India (327–325 BCE)

• Alexander the Great (Macedonia) invaded India in 326 BCE, after conquering the Persian Empire.
• Crossed the Indus River; fought Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum), 326 BCE against King Porus (Purushottama), ruler of the region between Jhelum and Chenab. Alexander won but was impressed by Porus's bravery and reinstated him as satrap.
• Alexander's army refused to advance further east (mutiny at the Beas/Hyphasis river) due to exhaustion and fear of the powerful Nanda army (Magadha) — this stopped further conquest of India.
• Alexander died in 323 BCE at Babylon on his way back.
• Impact of the invasion: opened up land trade routes between India and Greece/West Asia; facilitated cultural exchange (Indo-Greek art, later Gandhara school); left several Greek governors (satraps) in NW India — later replaced by Chandragupta Maurya; historical accounts by Alexander's companions (e.g., Nearchus) provide external sources for Indian history of the period.

Key Facts / Quick Revision — Persian & Greek Invasions

• Darius I made NW India (Indus region) 20th satrapy of Persia
• Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE; fought Porus at Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum)
• Alexander's troops mutinied at the Beas (Hyphasis) river
• Alexander died in 323 BCE at Babylon
• Kharosthi script came to India via Persian contact