Greek Invasion is part of Ancient History of India. Below are notes on 12 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Administrative Arrangements and Garrisons by Alexander

  • Alexander's Administrative Divisions & Appointments:
  • Paropamisadae (Kabul Valley): Appointed Oxyartes as satrap.
  • Arachosia (Kandahar area): Appointed Sibyrtius as satrap.
  • Gedrosia (Makran coast): Appointed Tlepolemus as satrap (initially).
  • Aria (Herat region): Appointed Stasanor as satrap.
  • Lower Indus (Sindh): Appointed Peithon, son of Agenor, as satrap.
  • Territories between Indus & Hydaspes (Jhelum): Ambhi (ruler of Taxila) confirmed as ruler.
  • Territories between Hydaspes & Acesines (Chenab): Porus confirmed as ruler, with extended territories up to Hyphasis (Beas).
  • Garrisons: Established military garrisons (forts) in strategic locations, manned by Macedonian/Greek troops.
  • Cities Founded: Nicaea (city of victory) and Bucephala (named after his horse) on the Hydaspes (Jhelum) river.
  • Alexander left many satraps, generals, and garrisons upon his withdrawal in 325 BC.
  • Urban centers served as administrative hubs for governance, law enforcement, and military organization.
  • Economic prosperity from trade and urbanization enabled states to maintain large standing armies and vast bureaucracies, crucial for power consolidation and expansion.
  • Emergence of wealthy merchant guilds (shrenis) and traders (setthis) contributed to the economic base of states, whose influence states sought to control or leverage.

Alexander's Army's Refusal and Retreat

  • Alexander's army advanced up to the Hyphasis (Beas) river, reaching the easternmost point of their Indian campaign.
  • The army, suffering from war-weariness (after 10 years of campaigns), homesickness, and exhaustion, refused to cross the Hyphasis (Beas) river.
  • They also feared the powerful Nanda Empire (Magadhan Empire) and its vast army (including elephants) that lay beyond the Hyphasis.
  • Alexander was compelled to turn back and abandon his eastward conquest due to his army's refusal.
  • The retreat involved a land route through Gedrosia (Balochistan), led by Alexander, and a sea route under Nearchus.
  • Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BCE.
  • Following Alexander's death, Greek control over his Indian territories significantly weakened, contributing to the rise of indigenous powers.

Alexander's Campaigns in India: Crossing the Indus to Jhelum

  • Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE, crossing the Indus River after consolidating control in Afghanistan (Bactria and Gandhara).
  • Ambhi (Taxiles), ruler of Takshashila (Taxila), submitted to Alexander without resistance.
  • Alexander then proceeded to the Jhelum River (Greek: Hydaspes).
  • The kingdom of King Porus (Puru) was situated between the Jhelum (Hydaspes) and Chenab (Akesines) rivers.
  • Alexander fought the Battle of Hydaspes on the banks of the Jhelum against King Porus, emerging victorious.
  • Following the victory, Alexander founded two cities on the Jhelum: Bucephala (Boukephala), named after his horse which died there, and Nicaea (Nikia), commemorating his triumph.
  • Alexander dispatched 200,000 (2 lakh) oxen from India to Macedonia for agricultural use.
  • Greek scholars referred to the Sutlej river as Hesidrus (lहिlसिडरसि).

Alexander's Motives and Route to India

  • Darius I (Persian King) appointed Scylax in 517 BC.
  • Scylax was tasked to explore the valley of the Indus river and its tributaries.
  • Scylax was the first Iranian traveller to reach India by waterway.

Archaeological and Literary Sources on the Greek Invasion

  • Alexander Cunningham identified the location of the ancient city of Taxila (Takshshila).
  • Alexander Cunningham was the first European to draw attention to the history of the royal families of Jalandhar and Trigarta.
  • Alexander invaded north-western India in 326-327 BCE.
  • Alexander was accompanied by scholars (e.g., Nearchus, Onesicritus, Aristobulus) who wrote about his campaign.
  • Megasthenes’ Indica is a valuable historical source for Mauryan India.
  • The original text of Megasthenes’ Indica is lost and survives only in quotations (fragments) by later writers (e.g., Arrian, Strabo, Diodorus Siculus).
  • The Greek historian Herodotus stated that India was the most prosperous Satrapy (province) of the Persian Empire.

Battle of Hydaspes and Porus

  • Battle of Hydaspes (or Battle of Jhelum) took place in 326 BCE.
  • Fought between Alexander the Great (Macedonian) and King Porus (Pauravas kingdom, located between Jhelum and Chenab rivers).
  • Fought on the banks of the Jhelum River (ancient Hydaspes).
  • Alexander emerged victorious, but was greatly impressed by Porus's bravery and leadership.
  • Following the battle, Alexander restored Porus to his throne and added more territories to his kingdom.
  • Porus is recorded to have gifted Alexander a block of Indian steel (Wootz steel), among other valuable items.

Cultural and Artistic Exchange: Gandhara Art Influences

Gandhara Art: Represents a unique Greco1. Roman (Hellenistic) and Indian artistic fusion. Flourished: Primarily in the Gandhara region 2. (modern NW Pakistan and Afghanistan) from 1st to 5th century CE, notably under the Kushan Empire. Hellenistic Influence on Gandhara Art (from 3. Greek Contact): Exhibited through realistic human forms, detailed drapery, wavy hair, muscular physique, and depictions of Buddha with Apollonian features. Greek Invasion's Role: Indo-Greeks (post4. Alexander) introduced Hellenistic artistic traditions which later merged with local Buddhist art forms in the Gandhara school. Kharosthi Script: 5.

    • Origin and Spread: Derived from the Aramaic script, its spread in western India was a direct result of contact with the Persians (Achaemenid Empire).
    • Usage: Predominantly used in Northwestern India (Gandhara region) from c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
    • Direction: Written from right to left.
    • Interaction: Appeared on some IndoGreek coinage alongside Greek script, indicating regional coexistence of different cultural influences.

Emergence of Indo-Greek Kingdoms in India

  • Indo-Greeks (Bactrian Greeks) were the first foreign rulers to invade India after the Mauryans.
  • Demetrius I is considered the founder of Indo-Greek rule in India (c. 200-180 BC).
  • The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander (Milinda, c. 165/155 - 130 BC).
  • Menander's capital city and an important trade center was Sakala (modern Sialkot in Punjab, Pakistan).
  • Menander's discussions with Buddhist monk Nagasena are recorded in the Pali text "Milindapanho" (Questions of Milinda).
  • Coins of King Menander, including sixteen specific ones, have been found from the site of Bairat (Rajasthan).
  • Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India.
  • They were also the first to issue coins with the names and portraits of rulers, which provided definite chronological data.
  • Indo-Greeks introduced the system of military governorship (Strategos).
  • Their rule significantly influenced Indian art (Gandhara School, Hellenistic style) and introduced Greek astronomy and astrology to India.

Immediate Political Impact: Rise of Chandragupta Maurya

  • Alexander's invasion of India: c. 327-325 BC.
  • Alexander departed India: 325 BC.
  • Alexander died in Babylon: 323 BC, creating a power vacuum and instability in NorthWest India.
  • Chandragupta Maurya (reign c. 322/321 – 298 BC), along with his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya), exploited this political vacuum.
  • Chandragupta and Chanakya roused people against foreign Greek rule, overthrowing Greek garrisons in the North-West.
  • Subsequently, they overthrew the Nanda dynasty (Dhana Nanda) in Magadha.
  • This led to the establishment of the Mauryan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya, marking a new era of centralized rule.
  • Chronological Context: Invasion of Alexander (c. 327-325 BC) → Accession of Chandragupta Maurya (c. 322 BC) → IndoGreek Rule in North-West (c. 180 BC onwards) → Accession of Kanishka (c. 78 AD).

Impact on Indian Numismatics and Coinage

  • Introduced die-striking technique (double die method), replacing earlier punch-marked coinage.
  • Feature realistic portraits of rulers, showing Hellenistic influence.
  • Bilingual legends became common: Greek script on the obverse and Kharosthi script (and sometimes Brahmi) on the reverse.
  • Depicted both Greek deities (e.g., Zeus, Athena) and Indian deities (e.g., Lakshmi).
  • Agathocles was a notable Indo-Greek ruler who issued coins depicting Indian deities such as Sankarsan (Balram) and Krishna.
  • Mainly produced coins in silver and copper; gold coinage became more prominent later under the Kushans.
  • Set a precedent for subsequent Indian dynasties (Sakas, Pahlavas, Kushans, Guptas) in adopting coinage features like legends, portraits, and metallic purity.

Political Landscape of North-Western India Pre-Alexander

  • North-Western India pre-Alexander was politically fragmented into numerous small independent kingdoms and tribal republics (e.g., Taxila, Pauravas).
  • The first foreign invaders on the NorthWestern Frontier in ancient India were the Persians (Achaemenids).
  • Persian ruler Cyrus II (c. 550 BCE) first penetrated NW India.
  • Darius I (c. 518 BCE) annexed Sindh and part of Punjab, making it the 20th Satrapy (province) of the Achaemenid Empire.
  • During Alexander's invasion (326 BCE), the Nanda dynasty was ruling over Magadha, the dominant power in North India.
  • Dhanananda was the then ruler of Magadha during Alexander's invasion.
  • Alexander's invasion of India occurred in 326 BCE.
  • Chronological order of events: Alexander's invasion (326 BCE) → Ashoka's invasion on Kalinga (c. 261 BCE) → The beginning of Saka Era (78 CE) → The beginning of Gupta Era (320 CE).

9. Maurya Empire

Treaty between Seleucus Nicator and Chandragupta Maurya

  • Conflict between Seleucus Nicator (Alexander's general, founder of Seleucid Empire) and Chandragupta Maurya around 305 BCE.
  • A peace treaty was signed between Seleucus Nicator and Chandragupta Maurya.
  • Under the treaty, Seleucus ceded significant territories (including Paropamisadae, Arachosia, Gedrosia, and Aria) to Chandragupta.
  • A matrimonial alliance was formed (Seleucus's daughter married Chandragupta).
  • Chandragupta presented 500 war elephants to Seleucus.
  • Seleucus Nicator sent Megasthenes as an ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court.

Trikaya (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha) and recommending specific Buddhist texts.

  • 'Dhamma' is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word 'Dharma', signifying universal law, righteousness, or socio-ethical order.
  • Ashoka's Dhamma was a unique socio-ethical code for universal welfare, deeply influenced by Buddhist principles but broader than just the propagation of Buddhism itself.
  • Key principles of Ashoka's Dhamma included:
    • Peace and non-violence.
    • Religious toleration; he stated that praising one's own sect while blaming others severely injures one's own sect.
    • Respect for elders (parents, teachers), Brahmanas, and Sramanas.
    • Promoting the welfare of all subjects, as encapsulated in his declaration "All men are my children" (found in Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I).
    • Emphasis on social harmony and equity over rigid religious devotion.
  • Honouring the king as a central tenet was not a primary part of Ashoka's Dhamma.
  • The definition of Dhamma propagated by Ashoka is derived from the "Rahulovadasutta".
  • Ashoka appointed a new class of officials called Dhamma-Mahamatras in the 14th year of his coronation to spread Dhamma and oversee its practice and the welfare of various religious sects.
  • Information about Ashoka's Dhamma is found across his Minor Rock Edicts, Bhabru Edict, Separate Kalinga Edicts, and the Fourteen Major Rock Edicts.
  • Ashokan edicts mention the Greek king of Syria, Antiochus II Theos.
  • The Kalsi rock inscriptions are associated with Emperor Ashoka.
  • The Sarnath Lion Capital is a prominent Ashokan pillar.
  • Bairath excavations are linked to Ashoka, with evidence of a circular Buddhist temple on Bijak Hill reported by Dayaram Sahni.

Practice MCQs: Greek Invasion

Administrative Arrangements and Garrisons by Alexander

  1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below - List-I (A) Gedrosia (B) Arachosia (C) Aria (D) Paropamisadae Code - (a) A-(4), B-(3), C-(1), D- (2) (b) A-(1), B-(2), C-(4), D-(3) (c) A-(2), B-(4), C-(1), D-(3) (d) A-(3), B-(1), C-(2), D-(4)

    Asked in: ADDITIONAL PRIVATE SECRETARY EXAM 2023

    1. A-(4), B-(3), C-(1), D-(2)
    2. A-(1), B-(2), C-(4), D-(3)
    3. A-(2), B-(4), C-(1), D-(3)
    4. A-(3), B-(1), C-(2), D-(4)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A-(2), B-(4), C-(1), D-(3)

    This question requires knowledge of ancient Indian geography and the territories associated with figures like Alexander the Great. The regions listed (Gedrosia, Arachosia, Aria, Paropamisadae) were parts of the Persian Empire and were areas of conquest and administration.

Alexander's Army's Refusal and Retreat

  1. Read the following two statements and select the correct answer from the codes given below. 1) Alexander died in 323 CE. 2) With his death, the Greek control along the Sindhu river weakened considerably. Codes :

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017

    1. Both 1 and 2 are correct
    2. Both 1 and 2 are incorrect
    3. 1 is correct but 2 is incorrect
    4. 1 is incorrect, 2 is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1 is incorrect, 2 is correct

    - Alexander's death occurred in Babylon. - Following his death, his generals (Diadochi) fought amongst themselves for control of the empire's territories. - The instability and weakening of Greek (Seleucid) hold over the northwestern Indian territories allowed Chandragupta Maurya to consolidate his power and push back the Greek influence, eventually defeating Seleucus I Nicator.

  2. Which one of the following rivers in India was not crossed by Alexander and his army?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2022

    1. Hyphasis
    2. Acesines
    3. Hydraotes
    4. Hydaspes
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Acesines

    Historical accounts of Alexander's invasion of India detail his army crossing the Indus River, and subsequently the major tributaries of the Indus in Punjab, moving from west to east: 1. Hydaspes (Jhelum) - Site of the Battle of the Hydaspes against King Porus. 2. Acesines (Chenab) - A large river, crossed after the Jhelum. 3. Hydraotes (Ravi) - Crossed after the Chenab. 4. Hyphasis (Beas) - Reached as the easternmost point of his conquest where his troops mutinied and refused to proceed further east across this river towards the Ganges. All four rivers listed were therefore crossed by Alexander's army during their eastward advance.

Alexander's Campaigns in India: Crossing the Indus to Jhelum

  1. Which of the following statements are correct? 1. When Alexander invaded India Ambhi was the ruler of Takshashila. 2. Kingdom of Purus was between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab. 3. Alexander founded a city named Boukephala (Bucephala) on Jhelum. 4. Alexander had sent 2 lakh oxen from India to Macedonia.

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    4. 1, 2 and 4 only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Key aspects of Alexander's campaign include his encounter with Ambhi of Takshashila, the Battle of Hydaspes against Porus between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, the founding of cities like Bucephala, and the transportation of resources from India.

  2. यूनिानि के ͪवद्वानि सतलिुज निदी को ͩकस निाम से पुकारते थे ?

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2016

    1. जंगती
    2. मुकसांग
    3. lहlसडरस
    4. सतुद्री
    Show answer

    Answer: C. lहlसडरस

    - यूनानी lवद्विानों ने प्राचीन भारत के भूगोल का दस्तावेजीकरण lकया। - सतलुज नदी को यूनाlनयों द्विारा हेlसड्रस/हेसुड्रस जैसे नामों से जाना जाता था। - lदए गए lवकल्पों में lहlसडरस ही एकमात्र नाम है जो सतलुज नदी के यूनानी नाम से मेल खाता है।

Alexander's Motives and Route to India

  1. Who among the following was appointed by Darius to explore the valley of the Indus river and its tributaries in 517 BC ?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017

    1. Scylax
    2. Xerxes
    3. Strabo
    4. Herodotus
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Scylax

    This expedition was significant for gathering geographical information and potentially facilitating trade and conquest in the region of the Indus valley, which was subsequently incorporated into the Achaemenid Empire as a satrapy.

  2. Who was the first Iranian traveller to reach India by waterway? - (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Archaeology and Museums Dept. Exam 2023 (Exploration and Excavation Officer) 2023

    1. Nearchus
    2. Scylax
    3. Telsius
    4. Darius
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Nearchus

    Nearchus's voyage provided valuable geographical and ethnographic information about the coastal regions of India and the Persian Gulf.

Archaeological and Literary Sources on the Greek Invasion

  1. The location of the ancient city of Taxila (Takshshila), mentioned in ancient Indian texts, was identified by

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2021

    1. Alexander Cunningham
    2. R.D. Banerji
    3. John Marshall
    4. Daya Ram Sahni
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Alexander Cunningham

    Sir Alexander Cunningham, the first Director- General of the Archaeological Survey of India, played a pivotal role in identifying numerous ancient Indian sites. Using accounts from Chinese Buddhist pilgrims like Faxian and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and other ancient texts, Cunningham successfully located the ruins of Taxila in the 1860s. Later archaeological excavations were conducted at the site, most notably by John Marshall. However, the initial identification is credited to Cunningham.

  2. Which of the following statements are correct? 1. Alexander invaded north-western India in 326-327 BCE. 2. He was accompanied by scholars who wrote about his campaign. 3. Megasthenes’ *Indica* is a valuable historical source for Mauryan India. 4. Megasthenes’ *Indica* is survived only in quotations (fragments) by latter writers.

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2018

    1. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. Only 1, 2 and 4
    3. Only 1, 3 and 4
    4. Only 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    - Alexander's invasion of India was in 326 BCE. - Greek scholars documented Alexander's campaigns. - Megasthenes' Indica is a key source for the Mauryan period. - The original Indica is lost and known only through fragments in later writings.

  3. जालिन्धिर और ǒत्रगतर्ता के शाही पǐरवारों के इǓतहास की ओर ध्यानि Ǒदलिानिे वालिा पहलिा यूरोपीय कौनि था ?

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2016

    1. मूरक्राफ्ट
    2. कlनंघम
    3. थेवनॉट
    4. थॉमस कोåरयट
    Show answer

    Answer: B. कlनंघम

    - Alexander Cunningham was a pioneering figure in Indian archaeology and historical geography. - His research covered ancient kingdoms in North India, including Trigarta and Jalandhar. - His work helped reconstruct the ancient history and geography of these regions, including their ruling dynasties.

  4. Which Greek historian tells that India was the most prosperous Satrapy (province) of the Persian Empire?

    Asked in: Archaeology and Museums Dept. Exam 2023 (Curator) 2023

    1. Dirdo
    2. Herodotus
    3. Max Muller
    4. Thucydides
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Herodotus

    Herodotus's account provides early external evidence of the integration of parts of the Indian subcontinent into the Achaemenid Persian Empire and its economic significance.

Battle of Hydaspes and Porus

  1. Porus is said to have gifted Alexander a

    Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2023

    1. box of mangoes
    2. diamond
    3. block of steel
    4. cotton shirt
    Show answer

    Answer: C. block of steel

    The gift of a block of Indian steel symbolized the advanced metallurgical skills of ancient India.

  2. The Battle of Hydaspas was fought between

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2022

    1. Bimbisara and Ajatasatru
    2. Bimbisara and Porus
    3. Porus and Alexander
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Porus and Alexander

    Alexander won the battle but was impressed by Porus's bravery and resistance, allowing him to continue ruling his kingdom under Alexander's suzerainty.

Cultural and Artistic Exchange: Gandhara Art Influences

  1. The spread of the Kharosthi script in western India was the result of contact with - (1) Pahalva (2) Persian (3) Greeks (4) Shakas (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Archaeology and Museums Dept. Exam 2023 (Curator) 2023

    1. (1)
    2. (2)
    3. (3)
    4. (4)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (3)

    The Kharosthi script was used in Gandhara and northwestern India from the 3rd century BCE to the 5th century CE. Its development is attributed to the influence of Aramaic script, which was spread by the Persians. However, its extensive adoption and usage in western India, particularly in coins and inscriptions, is a direct result of the Indo-Greek interaction and presence.

Emergence of Indo-Greek Kingdoms in India

  1. Sixteen coins of King Menander have been found from which of the following sites ?

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2018

    1. Bairat
    2. Nagari
    3. Rairh
    4. Nagar
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Bairat

    Bairat (ancient Viratnagar), located near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is an important archaeological site. Excavations there have revealed significant historical artifacts, including a pot containing ancient punch-marked coins and 16 coins of the Indo-Greek king Menander.

  2. Which of the following was the capital city of Indo-Greek King Menander and an important city on trade routes as well? (1) Sakal (3) Vajji (5) Question not attempted (2) Anga (4) Kasi

    Asked in: Archaeology and Museums Dept. Exam 2023 (Curator) 2023

    1. Sakal
    2. Anga
    3. Vajji
    4. Kasi
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Sakal

    Menander I Soter was one of the most prominent Indo-Greek rulers. Classical sources and archaeological evidence suggest his capital was likely Sakala (modern-day Sialkot in Pakistan). Sakala was strategically located on major trade routes of the time, connecting India with Central Asia and the Mediterranean world.

Immediate Political Impact: Rise of Chandragupta Maurya

  1. Chronologically arrange the following events : 1. Invasion of Alexander 2. Indo-Greek Rule in the North-West 3. Accession of Kanishka 4. Accession of Chandragupta Maurya Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Asked in: UPSC Geoscientist 2023

    1. 4-3-1-2
    2. 2-3-4-1
    3. 3-4-1-2
    4. 1-4-2-3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1-4-2-3

    Let's establish the approximate dates for each event:

  2. Invasion of Alexander: 326 BCE. 2. Indo-Greek Rule in the North-West: Started around the late 3rd/ early 2nd century BCE (after the decline of the Mauryas) and lasted until the 1st century BCE/1st century CE. 3. Accession of Kanishka: Debated, but commonly placed around 78 CE (start of Shaka Era) or mid-2nd century CE. Kanishka was a Kushan ruler. 4. Accession of Chandragupta Maurya: Founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE, shortly after Alexander's withdrawal from parts of India.The chronological order is: Alexander's invasion (326 BCE), followed immediately by Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power (c. 321 BCE), then the establishment of Indo-Greek rule after the Mauryan decline (post 185 BCE), and finally the accession of Kanishka much later (1st/2nd century CE). Thus, the correct order is 1 - 4 - 2 - 3. 18. As the news of Alexander's death at Babylon, in 323 BC came, ______ and ______ roused the people against the foreign invader.

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2016

    1. Chandragupta, Chanakya
    2. Ashoka, Bindusara
    3. Chandragupta, Bimbisara
    4. Ashoka, Radhagupta
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Chandragupta, Chanakya

    Following Alexander the Great's death in Babylon in 323 BC, his vast empire began to disintegrate. In India, this period saw the rise of Chandragupta Maurya. With the guidance and strategic acumen of his mentor Chanakya (also known as Kautilya), Chandragupta built an army, overthrew the unpopular Nanda dynasty in Magadha, and subsequently campaigned against the Greek garrisons left in the northwestern territories by Alexander. They successfully roused the local population against foreign rule and consolidated power, laying the foundation of the vast Mauryan Empire.

Impact on Indian Numismatics and Coinage

  1. Which of the following Indo-Greek ruler's coin engraved the image of Sankarsan Balram and Krishna? - Question not attempted

    Asked in: Department Recruitment 2024 (Research Scholar) 2024

    1. Apollodotus
    2. Agathocles
    3. Hermaeus
    4. Eukratides
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Agathocles

    The coinage of Indo-Greek rulers provides valuable insights into their policies, religious leanings, and the cultural assimilation that occurred between the Greeks and the Indian population. The depiction of Indian deities signifies a departure from purely Hellenistic imagery.

Political Landscape of North-Western India Pre-Alexander

  1. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2000

    1. Nanda
    2. Maurya
    3. Sunga
    4. Kanva
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Nanda

    At the time of Alexander the Great's invasion of North-West India (circa 326 BCE), the powerful Nanda dynasty ruled over the Magadha Empire, which dominated the Gangetic plains and much of North India.

  2. During Alexander's invasion who was the then ruler of Magadha?

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2023

    1. Dhanananda
    2. Chandragupta Maurya
    3. Puru
    4. Ambhi
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Dhanananda

    Alexander's forces, after conquering parts of northwestern India, were reluctant to proceed further east, partly due to the formidable reputation of the Nanda army.

  3. Who were the first foreign invaders on the North-Western Frontier in ancient India ?

    Asked in: Assistant Conservator of Forest Exam 2019

    1. Sakas
    2. Greeks
    3. Persians
    4. Chinese
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Persians

    Persians were the earliest foreign invaders on the North-Western Frontier of ancient India.

  4. Consider the following events and arrange them into chronological order. 1. The beginning of Gupta Era 2. Ashoka's invasion on Kalinga 3. The beginning of Saka Era 4. Alexander's invasion on India Select the correct answer using the codes given below : Code :

    Asked in: Assistant Town Planner (Pre.) Exam 2023

    1. 4, 2, 3 and 1
    2. 4, 2, 1 and 3
    3. 2, 4, 3 and 1
    4. 3, 2, 4 and 1
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 4, 2, 3 and 1

    Chronological ordering requires knowledge of historical timelines for significant events. BCE dates are earlier than CE dates, and within BCE, a larger number indicates an earlier event. Within CE, a smaller number indicates an earlier event.