THE INDIAN EXPEDITION VS

The Rock of Aornus  This was 2100 m high overlooking the Indus River  Alex was compelled to take it as the place had strategic significance  Ptolemy was sent first then Alex the next day  Alex built a causeway to cross a ravine  Indians surrendered because of the causeway and attempted to escape but was stopped by Alex.

The Battle of Jhelum (326BC) Background  Porus was on the eastern side of the Jhelum (Hydaspes) River which caused problems for Alex.  River was swollen  Porus was waiting with 200 elephants

ALEX TRICKED PORUS By: Pretending to cross at various points to confuse Porus. Porus would send men to counter but in the end gave up Craterus and a large force were left in the main camp

CROSSING THE RIVER  The night before crossing there was heavy rain and thunder which concealed Alex. advance north  Rain and wind eased so boats and rafts began to cross  Alex disembarked first only to find they had landed on another island  Once on the eastern side he organised his troops in battle formation.

Still crossing the river  When Porus heard of the crossing he did not believe it was main attack so sent son with small to attack but was wiped out.  Porus’ troops were deployed in a place favourable to cavlary manoeuvres. Infantry placed in the centre – behind elephants, with cavalry on either side shielded by chariots.  Alex planned to eliminate the Indian cavalry first and engage infantry  Coenus had orders to remain out of sight and attack from the rear.

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COURSE OF THE BATTLE  Alex attack first sending his cavalry against porus’ cavalry  With Indian cavalry on Porus’ left Coenus attacked from the rear, so Indians retreated behind the elephants.  Elephants tore big gaps in alex ranks thus cavalry was encouraged and again  Alex forces encircled the Indian cavalry.  Gap opened Indians tried to retreat thus Craterus and his men crossed and mowed them down  Porus stayed with his army until wounded and then surrendered.

AFTER THE BATTLE  Alex asked Porus how he wanted to be treated and he replied “like a king”.  Alex allowed him to continue ruling his lands and also added lands  On the site of the battle alex built two cities: Nicaea – meaning victory Nicaea – meaning victory Bucephala as Alex horse Bucephalus died Bucephala as Alex horse Bucephalus died

SAILING DOWN THE INDUS 326(bc)  Because his troops no longer wished to continue into India, Alex returned to the west.  Alex sailed to investigate landing places along the river banks for trade