If someone had spoken about Malwa 2,500 years ago, they would have been referring to a region located between the Ravi and Chenab rivers. Therefore, it can be said that the history of Malwa predates that of the present-day Malwa people. Today, that ancient Malwa is known as the Rachna Doab, while the descendants of those ancient Malwis now inhabit the region east of the Sutlej River and parts of Central India, including the Chambal and Anchal hills.
The earliest historical references to the Malwa region between the Ravi and Chenab rivers are found in Greek writings. These texts mention a people known as the Malli or Mali, who lived in the Doab area between these rivers, then known as Malab. The story of Alexander (Sikandar) and King Porus has received so much attention that other major Punjabi tribes such as the Malavs and the Sudaks have been almost erased from historical memory. However, the history of these proud Punjabi tribes is even more heroic than that of Porus. In fact, Alexander fought five battles in Punjab, but most people only know about Porus.
The ancient Malvas fiercely resisted every foreign ruler — even the mighty Mauryan Empire. Ancient coins reveal that by the first century CE, the Malavas had crossed the Sutlej and migrated to present-day Punjab. Coins bearing the name of the Malava tribe have been found in Hisar, Rohtak, and Sanet (in Ludhiana). Around this time, a new region named Malwa was established. The Yodheyas and Yodha Kings are also believed to be connected to the Malavas.
During the Indo-Greek period, the Malvas clashed with the Bactrian Greeks. These intense conflicts may have pushed the Malvas further eastward. After securing power east of the Sutlej, the Malvas moved toward Ajmer and Mewar. Coins from the second century CE have been found in this region, confirming their presence. They later settled permanently on the Central Indian plateau, giving rise to another Malwa. The Zorawar Olikar Raj is also believed to have belonged to the Malvas.
Stone inscriptions and texts from the Indo-Greeks, Kushans, Sakas, Huns, and Guptas all mention clashes with the Malvas. These references suggest that the Malvas never surrendered their independence — whether in the Jhelum-Ravi region, Sutlej area, or Central India.
The Battle with Alexander the Great
Greek historians wrote that after the battle with Porus, Alexander allowed Porus to retain his kingdom. Alexander and his ally Ambhi also visited Porus’s relatives, including the king of Lahore. Within 30 days, 37 cities in Punjab either surrendered or were defeated by Alexander.
The Greeks note that Alexander roamed Punjab for about 90 days. During this time, he was warned that the Malli or Malava tribes of southern Punjab, along with the Sudaks, would not surrender. Instead, they were forming alliances, setting aside internal rivalries to resist Alexander. In response, Alexander prepared for an early assault, launching hundreds of boats into the Jhelum River and sending military supplies, troops, and resources downriver.
Near the confluence of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, Alexander first encountered the Sibia tribe. After a fierce battle, Alexander emerged victorious. Greek historians state that it was the first time since leaving Greece that he completely annihilated a tribe—burning their homes and killing their livestock.
According to a 1973 book by DC Sircar, Alexander wanted to establish a permanent waterway between Punjab and Greece. The earliest known historian, Herodotus, believed that the civilized world (which the Greeks called oikouménē) ended at the eastern hills of Punjab. For them, India — or Indos — began and ended with Punjab.
Alexander feared that the rebellious regions near the eastern rivers posed a serious threat to future connections with Greece. His decision to confront the Malvas with full force was justified, as these tribes continued to resist every imperial force that entered the region. It’s also believed that Punjabi tribes had helped Persian King Darius III during the Battle of Gaugamela by providing food, supplies, and troops. The Malvas and Sudaks may have been among these supporters and were still loyal to Darius when Alexander arrived.
The Malli and Sudak tribes refused to negotiate. Just three days later, Alexander reached Kot Kamalia, the first Malava stronghold, and a fierce battle ensued. Another major battle occurred near Attari village close to Khanewal. By this time, many Malvas had gathered in Multan to resist Alexander. Historian Arrian mentions that around 50,000 Malavas were assembled in Multan.
The Greeks and Malavas fought a bloody battle. For the first time since leaving Greece, Alexander suffered a near-fatal injury. The Malavas identified Alexander, and one of their arrows pierced his chest near the lungs. He bled heavily, and for a while, his army believed he was dead. To boost morale, the wounded Alexander was paraded on a bed along the river. Some historians believe that this injury ultimately caused his death in Babylon a few years later.
Later, Alexander fought the Sudaks of southern Punjab as well. Though they were defeated, many scattered into forests, hills, and swamps and continued guerrilla warfare. Unlike Porus, the Malvas and Sudaks never accepted Alexander’s rule. It is suspected that they may have played a role in the assassination of Eudemus, the Greek governor appointed by Alexander.
Under the Mauryan Empire following Seleucus, rebellions continued in Punjab. Historian Najar Singh notes that many small states in Punjab identified themselves as Udambar. According to Buddhist texts, Ashoka’s father Bindusara sent him to Punjab as governor to suppress these revolts — implying that Punjabis were not even happy under Mauryan rule.
The Disappearance of the Sudaks
After initial references in Greek writings, the Sudak tribe disappears from recorded history. It is believed they may have merged with the Malavas. According to historian Michael Witzel, the name of the modern-day Shudra varna (fourth caste) may have originated from the Sudak tribe — once a proud people of southern Punjab, whose name later came to denote an entire class.
Final Note
This is a brief overview. For deeper understanding, refer to original Greek texts and archaeological reports. Explore Punjab’s history as a Punjabi. The civilization of South Asia began in Punjab. Our ancestors were the creators of civilization. Unfortunately, we are the ones who don’t know our own history.
— Ramandeep Singh
