Indo-Greek Kingdom, History, Map, Facts, UPSC Notes

The post-Mauryan period in ancient India witnessed the rise of various foreign kingdoms such as Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, and Kushanas. One of the first was the Indo-Greek Kingdom. The interaction between India and the Greeks began withAlexander's invasion of northwestern India and conquest of the Punjab region. 

The Indo-Greek Kingdom (also known as Yavanas) primarily ruled in the northwestern region including various parts of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. Indo-Greeks ruled from three areas - one branch from Bactria (Afghanistan), the second from Taxila, and the third from Sakla (Sialkot). 

Background

After Alexander, a large part of his empire came under the rule of his Generals. The two main areas were Bactria and the adjoining areas of Iran known as Parthia. Some important Indo-Greek kings were Euthydemus, Demetrius, Eucratides and Menander

• In the 3rd century BCE, Diodotus I, the governor of Bactria, rebelled against the Seleucid king Antiochus, establishing an independent Bactrian Greek kingdom. 
  • Around 145 BCE, pressure from Scythian tribes led to the loss of Bactria. 
  • However, they continued to rule parts of northwestern India for several decades. These Bactrian Greeks were referred to as the Indo-Greeks.
• This marked the beginning of a series of invasions in northwestern India, as the successors of Ashokawere too weak to defend the region. 
• In the early 2nd century BCE, the Indo-Greeks became the first invaders. They conquered a significant portion of northwestern India, extending as far as Pataliputra.

Indo-Greek Kings

The rise of the Indo-Greek Kings can be traced back to the weakening and disintegration of the Seleucid Empire after 250 BCE. Gradually, they expanded their influence into northwestern India, with Taxila and Sialkot being the capital of the Indo-Greek kingdom. Some of the major Indo-Greek rulers were:

Demetrius

Around 190 BCE, a Bactrian ruler invaded India, attacking Afghanistan and Punjab, and extended his rule south of the Hindu Kush, conquering much of the Mauryan empire. 

• From Taxila, he sent commanders Appolodotus and Menander for further conquests. 
• Appolodotus advanced on Ujjain, while Menander reached Mathura and tried to seize Pataliputra but was stopped by Vasumitra's army.

Menander (Milinda)

He was the most renowned Indo-Greek emperor, expanding his empire into India and stabilizing Indo-Greek power. His capital was Sakala (Sialkot). 

• His rule extended over Bactria, northwest India, southern Afghanistan, and Gandhara.
  • He conducted raids on the Gangetic region with the kings of Panchala and Mathura.
• Religion: He was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (Nagarjuna).
  • Milindapanho: Menander asked Nagasena many questions related to philosophy and Buddhism, which together with Nagasena's answers are recorded in Milindapanho or the Questions of Milinda. 
• Coinage: His coins have been found over an extensive area ranging from the valleys of the Kabul and Indus rivers to as far as western Uttar Pradesh. 
  • He is described as “king” and “soter” or saviour in his coins. 

Other Indo-Greek Rulers

• Antialcidas (115–95 BCE): He is famous for sending his emissary, Heliodorus, to the court of King Bhagabhadra. 
  • Heliodorus erected a pillar or Garuda Dhwaja with its capital adorned by a figure of Garuda, in honour of God Krishna (Vasudeva). 
  • This is also known as the Heliodorus Pillar or Besnagar Period.
• Hermaius: He was the last major ruler of this dynasty. The Parthians overcame him around the late second century BCE, ending Greek rule in Bactria and the region south of the Hindu Kush. However, the Indo-Greek rule persisted in northwest India for a while longer.

Importance of the Indo-Greek Rule

The Indo-Greeks left a lasting legacy in the Indian subcontinent. They significantly impacted the political and social aspects of ancient India. Their interactions with local cultures and religions, particularly Buddhism, influenced the development of art and religious thought in the region.

• At the beginning of the 2nd century BCE, the Indo-Greeks were the first to invade India. The Maghera inscription near Mathura gives an account of Indo-Greek rule.
• They introduced the practice of governorship. The governors were known as satraps or strategos.
  • Many historians contend that the Persian and Greek administrative systems influenced the elaborate administrative institutions of the Mauryan Empire.
• Patronage to Buddhism and Hinduism: For instance, Menander is known to have become a Buddhist. This aided in the blending of Greek and Indian religious practices.
• The monuments at Pataliputra clearly show the Greeks' cultural influence. 
• Astrology: The Indo-Greeks aided the growth of astrology. In Indian Sanskrit texts, several Greek terms referring to the motions of the planets are used. Greek horoscope may have been the source of the Sanskrit word for astrology, “Horasastra”.
• Arts: They introduced Hellenistic art and literature to the north-western frontier of India.
  • This impact is seen in the form of Gandhara Art School.
  • The Heliodorus inscription on the Besnagar Pillar is also a striking illustration of the influence of Greek features.

Coinage System 

In Indian history, the Indo-Greek rulers were pioneers in issuing coins that featured portraits of kings and their names. Before their reign, Indian coins lacked such depictions. Additionally, the Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins, which are celebrated for their realistic and artistic portraits.

• These coins provide a visual record of the kings, modelled after Greek silver coins, with a portrait of the reigning king on one side and his name on the other. 
• The initial series depicted Greek deities, but later coins included Indian deities as well. 
• These coins were bilingual, with Greek inscriptions on the front and Pali inscriptions on the back, reflecting a blend of cultural influences.

Decline

The Indo-Greek kingdoms faced several challenges during their rule. They had to contend with neighbouring Indian kingdoms, including the Shunga and Kushan Empires. Additionally, maintaining control over their vast territories proved to be a difficult task. Following were some of the reasons for the decline of the Indo-Greek Kingdom.

• Yavana incursion into the territory of Magadha and Ayodhya (Saketa).
• Cessation of land to Shungas.
• Loss of Bacteria to the Parthians and Sakas.
• Internal squabbles among many claimants to power.
• Economic decline due to the disruption of trade routes.

Indo-Greek Kingdom FAQs

Q1. Who were the Indo-Greeks?

Ans. The Indo-Greeks were Bactrian Greeks who settled in northwestern India after Alexander's death. They ruled between the 2nd and early 1st centuries BCE.

Q2. What is the origin of Indo-Greek in India?

Ans. Demetrius I, the Greco-Bactrian king Euthydemus I's son, led his army through the Hindu Kush to start the invasion of northern India and establish the "Indo-Greek monarchy." The Indo-Greek kingdom prospered for many centuries while its kings maintained diplomatic and commercial ties.

Q3. What was the impact of the Indo-Greek rule in India? 

Ans. The Indo-Greek rule in India had a profound impact, fostering cultural exchange, introducing Greek art and coinage, patronizing Buddhism and Hinduism, and influencing administrative systems. Their legacy is evident in art, religion, and coinage, marking a significant chapter in India's history.

Q4. What were the reasons for the decline of the Indo-Greek Kingdoms?

Ans. The decline of the Indo-Greek Kingdoms was caused by factors such as Yavana incursions, land loss to the Shungas, the Parthian conquest of Bactria, internal conflicts, and economic decline due to disrupted trade routes.