Alexander the Great, the powerful ruler of Macedonia in his march for global conquest, invaded the Indian subcontinent in 326 BC. He entered India through the Hindukush and conquered a large part of northwest India. Alexander developed good relations with the local authorities while establishing his garrisons.
Lack of unity among the different kingdoms of north-western India helped his campaign. King Ambhi who ruled Taxila, closest to the Indian border, chose to support Alexander to settle scores with his neighbor, King Porus. Porus with his mighty army had annexed areas upto Gujarat which caused concern among the other rulers. Alexander resented Porus’ help to his rival Darius III of Persia. Alexander took Porus’ forces by surprise crossing the flooded Jhelum river that formed one of the boundaries. Despite a heroic resistance, Porus was defeated and taken prisoner. Even in defeat, Porus' bold demand to be treated as a king won the heart of Alexander. Porus was promptly released and his kingship reinstated. Alexander easily overran the neighboring kingdoms and advanced further into India towards the empire of Magadha. But he was forced to abort his advance against Magadha as his army, exhausted with the continuous campaign of conquest wanted to return. On route, Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC.
Alexander’s invasion ushered in greater contact between India and the West. Another significant outcome was the emergence of the Gandhara school of art that combined Indian and Greek features, still evident in numerous Buddhist monuments.
