Alexander's Campaign & North India
Who ruled North India during Alexander's Invasion?
The Nanda dynasty, specifically under the ruler Dhana Nanda, was in power in North India during Alexander's invasion in 326 BCE.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2000
Evidence Source
Link ↗Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2000, Paper I]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Alexander's campaign in India (327–325 BCE) coincided with the peak of the Nanda Empire's power in the Gangetic plains.
Authentic Source Evidence
Greek historians (Arrian, Plutarch) noted that Alexander's soldiers refused to cross the Beas river out of fear of the massive army of the 'Gandaridae' and 'Prasii' (identified as the Nandas).
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Why didn't Alexander confront the Nanda army directly?"
His troops were exhausted and mutinied at the Beas River, fearing the reported strength of the Nanda's 200,000 infantry and 6,000 war elephants.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The threat of the Nanda army effectively halted the eastern expansion of the Macedonian empire, marking the limit of Alexander's conquest."
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