Iranian and Macedonian Invasions and Their Impacts

2020-04-27 11:47:00

Achaemenid king Kurush or Cyrus (558-529 BCE) led a military expedition and destroyed Kapisha city.
Greek historian Herodotus tells us that India was the 20th satrapy of Persia yielding rich tribute.
Behistun inscription of Darayavaush or Darius I (522-486 BCE) mentions the people of Gadara/Gandhara, Makran etc.
Hamadan inscription refers to the Hidus/Hindus.
Darius’ inscriptions at Persepolis and Naqsh-i-Rustom include Hidus and Gandharians among his subjects.
Darius was succeeded by his son Khshayarsha or Xerxes (486-465 BCE). His troops included Indians.
Persia declined thereafter but Gandhara and surrounding areas continue to be mentioned as subjects.
Persian invasion led to introduction of Kharoshti script which was derived from Aramaic. Some historians suggest Persian influence on art and architecture of the Mauryas but this is exaggerated.

Alexander’s Invasion (327-326 BCE)

The details of his invasion are provided by Arrian’s ‘Anabasis of Alexader’ written in 1st 2nd Century BC. He refers to Aristobulus and Ptolemy as his sources.
He established a series of outposts in Afghanistan before venturing further into the subcontinent. long and bitter fighting at the walled city of Astes and Aornos.
In 326 BCE, Alexander’s armycrossed the Indus, Ambhi the ruler of Taxila extended support. Porus offered resistance but was overpowered. There was some encounters with Ganas viz Malavas, Kshudrakas etc.
It led to the creation of the Seleucid principality in the north-west and various greek settlements.