In the 6th century BCE, India’s northwestern region was a fragmented landscape of competing principalities, including the Kambojas, Gandharas, and Madras.
Due to the absence of a powerful overarching kingdom and the region’s wealth and accessibility through the Hindukush passes, foreign invasions were inevitable. The Persian and Greek invasions significantly impacted India’s political, economic, and cultural landscape.
Persian Invasion of India
Achaemenid Empire and its Expansion
The Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire, was founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE. The Persians were the first significant foreign power to establish control over parts of India.
Persian Rulers and Their Invasions
1. Darius I (522–486 BCE)
- The third king of the Achaemenid Empire, Darius I, invaded northwest India in 516 BCE.
- He annexed Punjab, west of the Indus, and Sindh, making it the 12th province (Satrapy) of the Persian Empire.
- The Indian province was among the most populous and fertile regions of the empire.
- Indian subjects were recruited into the Persian army.
- India contributed a significant amount of gold tribute, forming a substantial portion of the empire’s revenue.
2. Xerxes I (486–465 BCE)
- Xerxes continued to rule over the Indian Satrapy.
- He employed Indian soldiers in his long war against the Greeks.
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Effects of the Persian Invasion
Trade and Commerce
- The establishment of the Persian Royal Road enhanced Indo-Iranian trade and served as a precursor to the Silk Route.
- Iranian coins were introduced and circulated in the conquered regions.
Cultural Influence
- The Kharosthi script, written from right to left, was introduced and later used in Ashokan inscriptions.
- Persian artistic influence was evident in Mauryan sculptures, particularly in the bell-shaped capitals of Ashokan pillars.
- The preamble of Ashokan edicts bore Iranian linguistic influences, with the term “dipi” being used as “lipi.”
- The Persian invasion facilitated further incursions into India by making its wealth and resources known to outsiders, notably the Greeks.
Greek Invasion of India
Alexander’s Invasion (336–323 BCE)
After defeating the Persian Empire in the 4th century BCE, Alexander the Great turned his attention to India, attracted by its wealth and strategic significance.
Reasons for Alexander’s Invasion
- Greek authors such as Herodotus described India as a land of immense wealth, motivating Alexander.
- He was driven by a desire for geographic and natural exploration.
- Inspired by past conquerors, he sought to surpass their achievements.
Polity of India During Alexander’s Invasion
- The northwestern part of India consisted of independent monarchies and tribal republics.
- Taxila, ruled by Ambhi, was strategically located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers.
- Porus ruled a kingdom between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, representing the ancient Vedic Puru tribe.
Alexander’s Campaign in India
- Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE): Alexander defeated Porus, despite his formidable resistance. However, he was impressed by Porus’ valor and reinstated him as an ally.
- Avoidance of the Nanda Empire: Alexander’s troops, exhausted and wary of the powerful Nanda dynasty, refused to march further east.
- Retreat and Consolidation: During his return, Alexander subdued several small republics, restoring power to rulers who submitted to him.
- His conquered territories were later governed by his generals, including Seleucus Nikator.
Effects of Alexander’s Invasion
Urban and Economic Developments
- Alexander founded multiple cities in northwest India, such as:
- Alexandria (near Kabul, Indus, and modern Karachi)
- Boukephela (near Jhelum, named after his horse)
- Nicaea (near the Chenab River)
- The invasion initiated direct trade between India and Europe, paving the way for future Silk and Spice Routes.
Greek Sources of Indian History
- Greek historians documented India’s social, economic, and political conditions, noting:
- The prevalence of Sati (widow immolation).The practice of selling girl children in marketplaces.
- The high quality of Indian oxen and the prominence of carpentry in constructing chariots, boats, and ships.
Political Impact
- Alexander’s campaign weakened the northwestern kingdoms, facilitating the expansion of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.
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FAQs Related to Persian and Greek Invasion of India
Q1. Who was the first Persian invader of India?
Cyrus the Great was the first Persian invader, extending his empire into northwest India around 550 BCE.
Q2. How long did the Persians rule parts of India?
Persian rule lasted until 326 BCE when Alexander the Great defeated the Persian satraps.
Q3. When was the Persian language introduced in India?
Persian became prominent in India during the Delhi Sultanate (13th century) as an administrative and cultural language.
