Persian Invasion of India | Ancient History for UPSC

Summary

This video discusses the Persian invasions of northwestern India, starting with Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC. Cyrus expanded the Achaemenid Empire into India, taking advantage of the region's political fragmentation. His successors, Darius I and Xerxes, further extended Persian control over Punjab and Sindh, integrating them into the empire as tributary provinces. Persian influence in India lasted for nearly 200 years, affecting writing, art, and administration. Notable impacts include the introduction of the Kharoshti script and inspiration for Ashoka’s inscriptions and architecture. The video sets the stage for exploring future invasions, including Alexander’s.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Persis, Babylon, and Media were key regions in the 6th Century BC, with Cyrus the Great ruling over Persis.
• 👑 Cyrus the Great is considered the greatest ruler of the Achaemenid Empire, reigning from 558 BC to 530 BC.
• ⚔️ Cyrus expanded his empire by conquering Media and Babylon, reaching the northwestern region of India.
• 🏛️ The northwestern region of India was politically fragmented, making it easier for Cyrus to conquer.
• 💰 Despite its small size, the northwestern region of India was wealthy, and Cyrus took advantage of its political disunity.
• 🌉 Darius I, Cyrus' grandson, extended the Achaemenid Empire further into Punjab and Sindh in 518 BC.
• 💼 Darius divided the empire into 28 satrapies, with northwestern India becoming the 28th and most revenue-generating region.
• ⚓ Darius launched a naval expedition under Skylas to explore more eastern regions beyond the Indus River.
• 🗡️ Xerxes, Darius' successor, utilized Indian soldiers from northwestern India to fight against Greece, though unsuccessfully.
• 🖋️ Persian influence in India included the adoption of the Kharoshti script and architectural styles, impacting Mauryan art and Ashoka's inscriptions.

Q & A

Who was Cyrus the Great and why is he significant in the context of the Achaemenid Empire?

Cyrus the Great was the ruler of Persis and is considered the greatest ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. He reigned from 558 BC to 530 BC and significantly expanded the empire by conquering Media and Babylon, as well as extending its boundaries to the northwestern region of India.

What made the northwestern region of India an attractive target for Cyrus the Great?

The northwestern region of India was politically fragmented, with small principalities like Gandhar, Kamboja, and Madra constantly in conflict. This lack of unity made the region vulnerable. Additionally, the area was wealthy and accessible through the Hindu Kush passes, making it a desirable conquest for Cyrus.

How did the Persians refer to the people living in the Indus region and why?

The Persians referred to the people living in the Indus region as 'Hindus' because the Indus River, called 'Sindhu' in the Rigveda, had its initial 'S' pronounced as 'H' in Persia.

What administrative reforms did Darius I introduce in the Persian Empire, and how did they affect the northwestern region of India?

Darius I, who ruled from 522 BC to 486 BC, divided the Persian Empire into 28 satrapies, or provinces, to improve administration. The northwestern region of India became the 28th satrapy, contributing significantly to the empire's revenue due to its fertility and population.

What motivated Darius I to send an expedition east of the Indus River?

Darius I was intrigued by the high revenue generated by the 28th satrapy (northwestern India) and wanted to explore whether similar wealthy regions existed east of the Indus River. This led him to launch a naval expedition under the leadership of Skylas to explore the area.

How did Xerxes utilize the northwestern provinces of India during his reign?

Xerxes, who ruled from 465 BC to 456 BC, used the northwestern provinces of India to strengthen his military forces. He recruited Indian infantry and cavalry to fight against Greece, although his military campaigns in Greece were unsuccessful.

How long did the northwestern region of India remain under Persian control?

The northwestern region of India remained under Persian control for nearly 200 years, from the time of Cyrus the Great until the invasion of Alexander in 326 BC.

What was the impact of Persian rule on the northwestern region of India?

Persian rule had several impacts, including the introduction of the Kharoshti script, which was written from right to left and became popular in the region. Persian influence was also seen in Mauryan art, such as Ashoka's monolithic pillars, and the idea of rock inscriptions, which Ashoka may have adopted from King Darius of Persia.

How did the Kharoshti script become popular in India, and where was it used?

The Kharoshti script, introduced by the Persians, became popular in the northwestern region of India. It was written from right to left, like the Arabian script, and was used in Ashokan inscriptions in that region.

What evidence suggests that there was trade between Persia and the northwestern region of India during Persian rule?

The discovery of many Persian coins in the northwestern region of India suggests that trade existed between the two regions during the period of Persian rule.