History · X-Factor Notes
Greek Invasion revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
High-Yield Revision| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| First Foreign Invader | The Persian ruler Darius-I (522–486 BC) was the first foreign ruler who successfully invaded some parts of India. | |
| Achaemenid Empire Origin | The Achaemenid Empire in central Iran was established by Kurush or Sairus II (558–529 BC) in the 6th century BC. | |
| Historical Source | Inscriptions such as Behistun, Persepolis, and Naqsh-e-Rostam, dating from Darius I's reign, provide important information regarding India-Persia relations. |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Nanda Ruler | When Alexander invaded India, the ruler reigning over Magadha was Dhanananda (the last king of the Nanda dynasty). | |
| King Porus (Puru) | Alexander defeated the brave Indian King Porus on the bank of the Jhelum river (known as Hydaspes by the Greeks). | U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013 |
| Frontier Republic |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Literary Reference | The Greek writer Justin described the meeting of Alexander the Great and Sandrokottos (the Greek name for Chandragupta Maurya). | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008 |
| Chronological Order of Invaders | The correct chronological order of foreign invaders in ancient India is: Greeks (326 BC), followed by the Sakas, and then the Kushanas. | UPPCS (Pre) 2023 |
| Ashvaka was a frontier republic at the time of Alexander's invasion, and its capital was Massaga. |
| UPPCS (Mains) 2013 |
| Reasons for Success | Alexander's success was attributed to: 1. The absence of a central power in India at that time; 2. His superior army; and 3. Help provided by traitorous Indian rulers. |
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| Chronology of Departure | Alexander, the Great, campaigned for nearly two years in India and subsequently left in 325 B.C.. |
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| Alexander's Defeat (Assertion Check) | The assertion that Alexander left India in 325 B.C. is true, but the reason that he was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya is false. |
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