India and Iran (Persia)
Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and write the complete sentences.
(1) The Greek historian is said to be the father of modern historiography.
(a) Herodotus (b) Alexander
(c) Scylax (d) Daryush
Answer: (a) Herodotus
(2) Taxila was ruled by King at the time of Alexander’s advent.
(a) Chandragupta (b) Ambhi
(c) Porus (d) Shashigupta
Answer: (b) Ambhi
(B) Find the incorrect pair from set B and write the correct ones.
| Set ‘A’ | Set ‘B’ |
| (1) Persopolis | City built by Daryush I |
| (2) Halicarnassus | Herodotus was born here |
| (3) Taxila | Centre of knowledge and education |
| (4) Nysa | Persian settlement |
Answer: (d) Nysa – Greek settlement
Q.2 Explain the statements with reasons.
(1) Alexander invaded Persia.
Answer: Alexander invaded Persia due to a combination of factors rooted in Greek-Persian relations. The prolonged conflict between the Achaemenid Empire and Greek city-states, as recorded by Greek historians, created a sense of challenged Greek self-esteem. The invasions by Achaemenid emperors, such as Daryush I and Xerexes, into Greece (e.g., the Battle of Marathon) were perceived as aggressive acts. Alexander, inspired by the growing confidence in Greek military strength and motivated to punish the Persians, launched his expedition. His correspondence with Daryush III, where he accused the Persians of provocation and asserted his superiority, reflects his intent to conquer Persia as a response to historical grievances and to assert Greek dominance.
(2) Alexander’s invasion of India did not have far-reaching impact on the political scenario of India.
Answer: Alexander’s invasion of India, while significant in its conquest of regions from Afghanistan to Sindh-Punjab, did not leave a lasting political impact. After defeating several local kings, including Porus, Alexander was unable to establish a stable rule due to his soldiers’ exhaustion and refusal to march further, forcing his return. He appointed local rulers like Porus and Ambhi to govern the conquered regions, but his death in 325 B.C.E. soon after led to the rapid disintegration of his control. Shortly thereafter, Chandragupta Maurya established a vast empire across India, overshadowing Alexander’s brief presence and marking the beginning of a new political era under the Mauryan Empire.
Q.3 State your opinion.
(1) Herodotus is said to be the father of modern history writing.
Answer: Herodotus is rightfully regarded as the father of modern history writing due to his pioneering approach in his work, Historia. Unlike earlier chroniclers, he systematically collected information to trace the causes of historical events, such as the Greco-Persian wars, and presented them in a chronological order. His method avoided reliance on myths or divine explanations, focusing instead on human achievements and empirical inquiry. This emphasis on evidence-based, sequential storytelling laid the foundation for history as an independent discipline, influencing subsequent historians and establishing a model for objective historical analysis.
(2) Ancient Taxila was the centre of knowledge and education.
Answer: Ancient Taxila was undoubtedly a premier center of knowledge and education in the Indian subcontinent. As described in Buddhist literature and Greek accounts, Taxila attracted students from across India due to the presence of renowned acharyas (teachers) who taught diverse subjects, including the Vedas, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and warfare. Its status as a “natural university” stemmed from its flexible, student-centric educational system, where learning was tailored to individual capacity without formal examinations. Taxila’s role as an intellectual hub persisted through various invasions, and its influence is evident in figures like Chanakya, who hailed from Taxila and educated Chandragupta Maurya there, underscoring its cultural and academic significance.
Q.4 Answer the following questions in detail.
(1) Describe the political and cultural effects of Achaemenid rule on India.
Answer: The Achaemenid rule, which extended to the northwest of the Indian subcontinent for about two centuries, had significant political and cultural impacts:
- Political Effects: The Achaemenids introduced a structured administrative system by annexing conquered regions as satrapies, each governed by a satrap (governor). This model of centralized governance influenced later rulers, including Alexander, the Scythians, and the Kushanas. The substantial revenue (360 talents of gold dust, as per Herodotus) collected from Indian provinces indicates their economic importance to the Achaemenid treasury, reflecting a well-organized fiscal system. The Achaemenid presence also facilitated trade and communication via routes like the Royal Road, connecting India to Persia and beyond.
- Cultural Effects: The Achaemenids introduced the Aramaic script to northwest India, from which the Kharoshthi script evolved, as seen in Ashokan edicts. The practice of inscribing royal edicts at prominent locations, inspired by Achaemenid inscriptions, was adopted by Indian rulers like Ashoka. Cultural exchanges were enhanced through trade, with Indian ivory and teakwood used in Persian palaces, as recorded in Daryush I’s inscriptions. The exploration by Scylax of Karyanda, documented in his Periplus, provided the Western world with early knowledge of India. Additionally, the migration of Persian and Greek artisans to India after the fall of Persepolis influenced Mauryan art, particularly in the sculptural style of Ashokan pillars, blending Persian and Greek aesthetics with Indian traditions.
(2) Describe Alexander’s invasion of India.
Answer: Alexander’s invasion of India (circa 326 B.C.E.) followed his defeat of the Achaemenid emperor Daryush III in 331 B.C.E. After conquering Persia, he marched through Shistan and Kabul, reaching the Hindukush mountains and camping at Nicaea on the Uttarapatha (Grand Trunk Road). His campaign in India targeted the weakened Achaemenid territories and small kingdoms in Afghanistan, Sindh, and Punjab, which lacked unity to resist him effectively.
- Key Events: King Ambhi of Taxila welcomed Alexander, offering gifts and alliance, while Sisikottas (Shashigupta) also surrendered. However, other rulers resisted fiercely. The most notable confrontation was the Battle of Jhelum, where Alexander defeated King Porus. Despite the defeat, Porus’s valor and strategic use of elephants impressed Alexander, who restored his kingdom. The Greek army, unfamiliar with elephant warfare, faced significant challenges. After conquering regions up to the Beas River, Alexander’s exhausted troops refused to march further, compelling him to turn back.
- Administration and Retreat: Before retreating, Alexander appointed Porus to govern Punjab, Ambhi to rule Sindh, and Abhisara to control Kashmir, while placing Greek satraps in other areas. He defeated tribes like the Shibis and Mallas on his return journey. Alexander died in Babylon in 325 B.C.E., ending his brief influence in India.
- Impact: The invasion had limited long-term political impact, as Chandragupta Maurya soon established the Mauryan Empire, unifying much of India. However, it facilitated cultural exchanges, with Greek historians like Arrian documenting India and Greek artisans influencing Mauryan art. The invasion also highlighted the military prowess of Indian rulers like Porus, leaving a legacy in historical narratives.
Leave a Reply