Which of the following was an outcome of Alexander's invasion of Indi...
Outcome of Alexander's Invasion of India:
1. Development of important geographical accounts of India:
- Alexander's invasion of India led to the development of important geographical accounts of India.
- The Greek historian, Megasthenes, who accompanied Alexander, wrote a book called Indika in which he described the geography, society, and culture of India.
2. Expansion of the Mauryan empire:
- Alexander's invasion of India weakened the Nanda empire, which was ruling over most of northern India at that time.
- This created an opportunity for the Mauryan empire to rise to power under Chandragupta Maurya, who defeated the last Nanda king and established his own empire.
- The Mauryan empire eventually became one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India.
3. No decrement in trade facilities with Greece:
- Alexander's invasion of India did not lead to a decrement in trade facilities with Greece.
- In fact, it opened up new avenues for trade between India and Greece, as well as other parts of the world.
- The Greeks were particularly interested in Indian goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones, which they traded for wine, olive oil, and other goods.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - 1 and 3 only.
Which of the following was an outcome of Alexander's invasion of Indi...
The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.
In the 4th century, the Greek ruler Alexander fought with the Iranians to establish their supremacy over the world.
Alexander conquered Iran, Iraq & Asia minor also.
- After his Kabul conquest, he invaded India through Khyber Pass as he was attracted by India's wealth,
- Alexander's invasion (326-325 BC) became a great success.
- He added to his empire a part of the North-western frontier of India.
- However, his success was soon lost to the Magadha rulers.
Important Points
Effects of the Greek Invasion: - The Greek invasion paved the way for the expansion of the Mauryan empire in North-west India as the petty local states were destroyed by the Greeks.
- Chandragupta Maurya also acquired knowledge about the working of Alexander's military tactics which helped him in destroying the power of the Nandas.
- Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
- The invasion opened up various routes between India and Greece by land and sea.
- It paved the way for increased trade and cultural contact between the two regions.
- It led to the coming up of guilds in India facilitating trade because money also got introduced after the invasion.
- Invasion paved the way for Greek merchants and craftsmen to trade with India and increase the trade facilities.
- Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
- Many Greek scholars came to India and wrote about Indian which had dated records of Alexander's campaign.
- The writings enable us to establish the Indian chronology of events and essential geographical accounts of India.
- These historical creations provide us with valuable information about the socio-economic conditions of that time.
- Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
- Greek Art influenced the architecture of the period as the Ashokan pillars have been influenced by the same.
- Alexander’s invasion resulted in the political unification of north India under the Mauryas and the system of small independent states came to an end.
Additional Information - Alexander the Great or Alexander III or Alexander of Macedonia was born in 356 BC in Macedonia.
- He was the king of Macedonia (336–323 BC).
- He died in 323 BC in Babylon.
- Megasthenes was the Ambassador of Seleucus Nicator at Chandragupta’s court.
- Seleucus was one of the generals of Alexander and the ruler of the Eastern side of Alexander's empire.
- Magasthenes wrote "Indica" which gives an account of socio-economic, military, geographical, historical details of Mauryan India.
- The Ambhi of Taxila, the ruler of Abhisara and Porus who ruled the region between the rivers of Jhelum and Chenab at the time of Alexander's invasion.
- The famous battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum) was fought on the plains of Karri between Alexander and King Porus.
- The writings of Greek authors like Herodotus about the fabulous wealth of India attracted Alexander.
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