By the 6th–4th centuries B.C., northern India was politically fragmented into many mahajanapadas. This period witnessed the growth of powerful states, external invasions, and the rise of the Nanda dynasty, which set the stage for the Mauryan Empire. The Persian and Greek invasions influenced India in politics, economy, and culture.
Table of Contents
The Nanda Dynasty
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The Nandas rose to power in Magadha after the Shishunaga dynasty.
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Founder: Mahapadma Nanda, who extended Magadha’s control over much of northern India.
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The Nandas maintained a large standing army – according to Greek sources, about 200,000 infantry, 20,000 cavalry, 2,000 war chariots, and 3,000 elephants.
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They collected heavy taxes, which made them unpopular but also allowed them to consolidate resources.
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The last Nanda ruler was Dhanananda, overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.
Persian Invasion
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In the 6th century B.C., parts of northwestern India were invaded by the Persians under Darius I (522–486 B.C.).
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Later, Xerxes (486–465 B.C.) also extended control into Indian territories.
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The Persians introduced the Kharosthi script (derived from Aramaic) into India.
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They influenced Indian art and coinage.
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The Indian soldiers were recruited into the Persian army and even fought in Greek wars.
Alexander’s Invasion
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In 326 B.C., Alexander of Macedonia invaded northwestern India after defeating the Persians.
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He crossed the Indus and fought the Battle of the Hydaspes (Jhelum River) against King Porus (Puru).
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Though Alexander won, he admired Porus and reinstated him as ruler.
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His army, weary and unwilling to face the mighty Magadhan empire, refused to advance beyond the Beas River.
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Alexander returned, leaving satraps (governors) to rule parts of Punjab and Sindh.
Results of the Invasions
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The invasions exposed India to Greek and Persian influences in art, architecture, and coinage.
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Trade and cultural contacts between India and the West increased.
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The invasions weakened northwestern India, paving the way for the rise of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta.
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Greek historians like Megasthenes, Arrian, and Curtius provided valuable accounts of India.
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The blending of Greek and Indian art later gave rise to the Gandhara school of art.
Key Takeaway
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The Pre-Mauryan period was marked by Magadha’s dominance under the Nandas, foreign invasions, and political instability.
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The Persian and Greek contacts enriched Indian culture but also weakened the frontier regions.
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This paved the way for Chandragupta Maurya and the rise of the first pan-Indian empire.