U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2003

Alexander's Invasion

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Alexander's success in India was due to the following: 1. There was no central power that time 2. He had a superior army 3. He was helped by the traitorous Indian rulers 4. He was a good administrator Select the correct answer from the following code:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Alexander's invasion (326 BCE) exploited the geopolitical and military gaps in the northwestern frontier of the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation Historical texts confirm that the Northwest was divided into small republics and kingdoms (like Taxila and the Pauravas) rather than a unified empire. King Ambhi of Taxila actively assisted Alexander against Porus.

Logical Breakup

Statement 1, 2, 3: Correct. Fragmentation allowed him to fight one ruler at a time; the Phalanx system was tactically superior; and local allies provided vital intelligence.

Statement 4: Incorrect. Alexander was a brilliant conqueror but spent too little time in India to establish a stable administration; his governors were quickly displaced after his death.

Active Recall

Question

Which Indian ruler offered the strongest resistance to Alexander?

Answer

King Porus (Puru), who ruled the territory between the Jhelum and Chenab, fought the legendary Battle of the Hydaspes.

Core Insight

Alexander's success was as much a product of Indian political disunity as it was of Greek military discipline.

Alexander's success in India was due to the following: 1. There was no central power that time 2. He had a superior army 3. He was helped by the traitorous Indian rulers 4. He was a good administrator Select the correct answer from the following code:

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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