An analysis of The Battle of the Hydaspes also known as Battle of Jhelum
Decide yourself
What is victory?
The meaning of victory is subjective, as it depends on the values, perspectives, and aspirations of the individual or group experiencing it. Victory is the achievement of a goal or success in overcoming a challenge, conflict, or competition. It often signifies triumph over obstacles, opponents, or difficulties.
Alexander’s primary objective was to vanquish the Persian Empire. However, as he progressed, overcoming the various challenges he encountered became his new aim. He is victorious in the Macedonians (Greek) analysis, as he ultimately achieved his initial ambition and Alexander successfully claimed all of the territory under the former Achaemenid empire.
Conversely, faced with Alexander’s unprovoked invasion, Porus aimed to safeguard his people, his realm, and its honor. He met Alexander’s challenge with composure, remained resolute in his position. Porus ultimately succeeded in defending all that he valued. In the annals of history, Alexander’s narrative is inextricably linked to that of Porus. Porus is accorded a place of equal respect in all Greco-Roman literature and Firdosi’s Shahnameh. Given that he accomplished his goals, Porus can also be regarded as victorious.
Panjab’s triumph
Panjabis presented a formidable challenge to the Macedonians, (also referred as Yavans or Greeks later). It is noteworthy that within the extensive region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Beas River, two out of five of the most intense battles of Alexander were fought in Punjab. Porus proved a tougher warrior than Darius III, the Emperor of Persia, one of the biggest empires ever to exist. Alexander’s beloved horse was slain in Panjab, and he narrowly escaped death in Multan. Moreover, injuries at Multan might have played a role in his death later. His injuries were so grave that the Macedonian army was incredulous at his survival. To reassure his soldiers, he was placed on a bed in a boat and paraded in Chenab river for his army. Despite all of this the evidence does not indicate that Alexander suffered a military defeat in Panjab.
Available evidence does not indicate that Alexander was militarily defeated in Panjab. While there are numerous achievements to take pride in, this particular claim in a simplistic sense is not one of them.
The subsequent analysis will assist readers in comprehending the reasons behind the inadequacy of simplistic assertions in explaining Alexander’s defeat.
Reason 1:
The Greeks are the sole contemporary source of information regarding Alexander’s campaign in Panjab. Neither Indian texts nor any other sources offer insights on this matter. Notably, the name Alexander is completely absent from ancient Sanskrit or Pali literature.
Only other mention is 1300 years later in Persian epics of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) (1010 CE) and 12th-century Eskandar-nameh (Book of Alexander) written by Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. Both are considered more mythical than factual. Nonetheless both praised Porus’s valour as a Persian king but had him defeated.
It’s noteworthy that the narrative of Alexander’s defeat is a modern fabrication, and is popularized within the last century. Historical sources do not suggest that the Macedonian forces experienced a defeat in Panjab.
Reason 2:
Alexander’s decision to restore Porus’s empire is often cited as evidence of Porus’s victory. However, reinstating defeated kings was not an unprecedented event, it was a common practice during that era. Historical events should not be interpreted solely through the perspectives of contemporary social and political frameworks. Alexander extended similar treatment to that of Porus to following rulers as well.
- Mithrenes, commander of Sardis (Turkey), who directed the campaign at the Granicus war against Alexander. He was restored to his rule kingdom after crushing defeat. The Granicus war was the first battle Alexander fought and won in Asia after leaving Greece.
- Alexander appointed Mazaeus as the governor of the satrapy (kingdom) and the capital city Babylon of Persian. Mazaeus was the second most powerful person following Alexander’s main enemy Emperor Darius III of Persia. He was also the fiancé of Darius’s daughter and next in line to claim Persian crown. He was the commander of the significant Battle of Gaugamela, which took place between Alexander and Darius III (October 1, 331 BCE).
- The Kingdom of Egypt was given back to Arasmes after defeat. Arsames was an Achaemenid royal blood prince, a grandson of former Persian king Darius the Great.
- Phrataphernes (Fratafarnah), was reinstated in Parthia after losing battle. Fratafarnah was a Persian who held the government of Parthia and Hyrcania, under the king Darius III Codomannus. He fought against Alexander in major battle of Gaugamela.
- Oxyartes chief (nobleman or Arya) of Sogdia (Samarkand), father of Roxane later wife of Alexander, who accompanied Alexander’s enemy Bessus to cross Oxus. Fought tough battles of many months, was appointed ruler of Sogdia.
Reason 3:
Available sources tell us that Alexander assumed authority over the administration of Panjab, with local inhabitants assisting him in navigating various regions of Panjab. Prior to his departure for Multan and Sindh, he designated Peithon as the Governor of upper Panjab. A Greek Eudemus was appointed as military commander of Panjab. Alexander stationed his forces and set up garrisons in Panjab before leaving. It is also reported that Eudemus murdered Porus following Alexander’s untimely demise.
If Porus had achieved victory through military might, then the question arises why he permitted Alexander to found cities and appoint officials within his territory.
Reason 4:
Two decades after Alexander’s conquest of Panjab, Seleucus I Nicator traded the eastern satraps of his kingdom for 500 elephants with Chandragupta. It directly meant that areas including Panjab went under Greek control. If Alexander had been defeated, Seleucus would not have been able to transfer control of Panjab to Chandragupta.
Reason 5:
Following the Battle of the Hydaspes , Alexander advanced to the banks of the Beas River. He erects 12 apostles to signify the easternmost limit of his dominion and the conclusion of the known civilized world. For a comprehensive analysis, refer to the detailed account here.
If Alexander had suffered defeat at the hands of Porus at the banks of the Jhelum River then the question is how Alexander marched from Jhelum river to the Beas River during the monsoon season. Then there is the story of his army’s revolt on Beas. Facts don’t add up squarely.
Conclusion
The narrative surrounding Porus’s victory may be appealing and evoke a sense of Panjabi pride; however, it lacks a solid factual basis. The conquests of Alexander have provided us with a more comprehensive history of that era than any other ancient times. The history of Punjab is replete with instances of valor. Instead of focusing on the notion of Alexander’s defeat, we ought to honor the extraordinary bravery exhibited by the Panjabis, who presented a formidable challenge to the powerful Macedonian forces, supported by warriors from every ethnic background between Panjab and Greece. In other words Panjab fought with the rest of the world of that time and still preserved its culture, dignity and had an honorable mention in history including in enemy Greek books.
