Indo-Greeks During the Post-Mauryan Period

The Indo-Greeks, known for their significant impact on Indian history, emerged during the post-Mauryan period around 200 BCE.

•  These rulers, originally from Bactria (south of the Oxus River in northern Afghanistan), entered the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, leaving behind a legacy that influenced Indian politics, culture, and art.

Origins and Invasions of Indo-Greeks in Post-Mauryan Period

Around 200 BCE, the northwestern borders of the Indian subcontinent experienced a series of invasions.

• The Greeks from Bactria, originally part of Alexander the Great’s empire, crossed the Hindu Kush Mountains into northwest India and became known as the Indo-Greeks.
• Following the fall of Achaemenid rule in Iran and Alexander’s death, the territories of Iran, the northwest, and adjacent areas came under the control of Alexander’s generals.
• Over time, the Greek rulers of Bactria, who were initially subordinate to the Seleucids and Arsacid rulers of Parthia, began asserting their independence.
• The Scythian tribes posed a significant threat to these Greek rulers, eventually pushing them towards India.
• These invasions began during the final phase of the Mauryan Empire, with the successors of Ashoka unable to effectively resist them.

Historical Sources and Rulers of Indo-Greeks in Post-Mauryan Period

The history of the Indo-Greeks has primarily been reconstructed through coins bearing legends in Greek, Kharosthi, and Brahmi scripts.

• Around thirty Indo-Greek rulers are known through their coins, which offer insights into their reigns and territories.

Key Indo-Greek Kings:

• Demetrius:
  • Considered the first significant Indo-Greek king after Alexander.
  • He conquered vast regions, including Afghanistan, the Punjab, and Sindh.
• Menander (Milinda):
  • One of the most renowned Indo-Greek rulers, reigning from 165–145 BCE.
  • His kingdom extended from the Swat Valley to Punjab, reaching the Ravi River, with his capital at Sakala (modern Sialkot).
  • Menander attempted to capture Pataliputra but was thwarted by Vasumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra Sunga.
  • He embraced Buddhism and engaged in notable dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena, compiled in the Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).
  • His coins have been discovered as far as Kabul in the north and Mathura near Delhi.
• Hemaeus:
  • The last Indo-Greek ruler, who faced challenges from the Sakas, Parthians, and Yuehchis, leading to the decline of Indo-Greek rule.

Contributions of the Indo-Greeks in Post-Mauryan Period

The Indo-Greeks left a profound and lasting impact on Indian civilization in multiple spheres, including governance, trade, art, and culture.

• Introduction of Gold Coins:
  • The Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India, a practice that expanded significantly under the Kushans.
  • The extensive circulation of these coins indicates a wide network of trade and economic activity.
• Military Governance:
  • They introduced the system of military governorship, influencing administrative practices in India.
• Art and Architecture:
  • The Greeks brought Hellenistic art to northwestern India, which later evolved into the Gandhara art style, a fusion of Greek and Indian artistic traditions.
  • The concept of depicting the Buddha in human form (idol worship) originated during this period.
• Cultural Enrichment:
  • Greek innovations such as the use of curtains significantly influenced Indian theatre.
  • Indian astrology adopted Greek ideas, with the term horoscope deriving from the Sanskrit term horasastra.
• Religious Impact:
  • The Indo-Greeks contributed to the spread of Vaishnavism.
  • The Greek ambassador Heliodorus embraced Vaishnavism and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar in central India.
• Enduring Influence:
  • The Indo-Greek influence lasted for over a century after the death of Menander, shaping Indian culture and governance long after their decline.