Old NCERT Gist (RS Sharma): Iranian and Mecidonian Invasions | Additional Study Material for UPSC PDF Download

Background

small kingdoms in NW India - Kambojs, Gandhars and Madrs fought one another. In eastern part they merged with the Magadhan Empire. There was no powerful kingdom like Magadh to save the NW from foreign invaders. Wealthy area could be entered through passes in the Hindukush.

Iranian Invasion

• Achaemenian rulers of Iran were rapidly expanding their empire around the same time and took advantage of this disunity in the NW India.
• Darius attacked and annexed Panjab, west of Indus and Sindh in 516 BC.
• Revenue from these accounted for 1 /3rd of total revenue of Iran.
• These parts remained under Iranian rule till Alexander’s invasion.
• Indo-Iranian contact lasted 200 years and gave impetus to Indo-Iran trade and commerce and culture

Result of the Contact

• Kharosthi script (right to left) was learned. Some Asokan inscriptions written in this. Continued to be used till 2nd century AD.
• Iranian coins are also found. Point to trade with Iran. Influence on Mauryan sculpture.
• Bell-shaped capitals influenced from Iran. Preambles of Asokan edicts were also influenced.
• Greeks came to know of the riches through Iran and this led to Alexander’s invasion.

Alexander’s Invasion

• Alexander of Macedonia conquered Asia Minor, then Iran, then Kabul and then moved to India via the Khyber Pass.
• Ambhi, ruler of Taxila surrendered. Porus resisted, lost and was made into an ally.
• Alexander’s soldiers refused to go further because as they were tired, demoralised and feared the elephant armies of the Nandas.
• He reached till Beas river and then returned home after 19 months

Impact of Alexander’s Invasion

➢ This brief contact led to many interesting developments:
(i) Indo-Greek contact- Four trade routes were opened up. Greek settlements came up in Kabul and Sindh. Were later conquered by Mauryas.
(ii) Curiosity for the ocean led to extensive exploration
(iii) Greek historians left behind valuable accounts helping in chronology as well as of socio-economic conditions - Sati, selling of children, fine oxen, flourishing carpentry etc.
(iv) Weakening of the NW kingdoms after Alexander’s retreat enabled their conquest by Mauryas later.