Indo-Greek – Rulers, Invasion, Impact, Indo-Greek Dynasty

What is Indo-Greek?

The term “Indo-Greek” refers to the historical period and cultural interaction between the Greek kingdoms, primarily from the Hellenistic period and the Indian subcontinent. It specifically refers to the time when Greek rulers and their descendants established kingdoms and exerted influence in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, including parts of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India.

Indo-Greek Notes

Northern India was split into several kingdoms after the decline of the Mauryas. In 185 BC, the Magadha region, the Sungas, came to power. After that, Northwest India was constantly under attack from powers in the northwest and Central Asia. Around 180 BC, the Indo-Greek kingdom was established when King Demetrius invaded the Indian subcontinent.

Read: Persian and Greek Invasions in India

Cause of Indo-Greek Invasion

The Indo-Greek invasion marked a significant phase in the history of both regions, as it witnessed the emergence of Greek influence in the Indian subcontinent. The main causes behind the invasions were:

• The Seleucid empire present there had been weak and hence suffered several invasions.
• There was increasing pressure from the Scythians, and hence later, Greek rulers were unable to hold their powers in Iran and Parthia.
• Also, the construction of the Wall of China stopped the forward march of Scythians, and they couldn’t push the Chinese further. It was also one of the major reasons for the Indo-Greek invasion.
• As Scythians turned their attention towards Greek and Iran, Bactrian Greeks were forced to enter the country.

Famous Indo-Greek Rulers

The first to invade the country was the Bactrian Greeks. Also referred to as Indo-Greeks, they ruled to a much greater extent than Alexander. Many parts of north-western India, as far as Ayodhya and Pataliputra, were under their rule.

• Menander was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler of all. His rule lasted for 20 years, from 165 BC to 145 BC.
• He is also referred to as Milinda. He made Sakala, a modern Sialkot in Punjab, his capital. He also invaded Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
• Nagasena, also known as Nagarjuna, converted Menander to Buddhism. This Indo-Greek ruler was very much curious about Buddha Teachings and asked several questions related to it.
• The questions were recorded in the book called Milinda Panho or The Questions of Milinda.

Coins of Indo-Greeks

The coins used in the north of the Hindu Kush region during the Indo-Greek rule were gold, silver, copper, and nickel. These coins had Greek legends on them. The Indo-Greek coins had portraits of Greek deities on the reverse. However, in the South of the Hindu Kuch region during the Indo-Greek rule, there were silver and copper coins mostly of square shape. In these coins, Indian weight standards were used and had bilingual inscriptions.

• History of Coins in India
• Art and Culture of India

Importance of Indo-Greek Rule

The Indo-Greek rule had an impact on polity, trade, religion, art & culture, and technology. We have discussed it below in brief.

• Greeks introduced the feature of Military Governorship.
• They called the governor’s Strategos.
• The system in the same or different form continued for a long time in the country, even till the Mughals.
• Military Governorship provided foreign rulers’ necessary process to maintain power and rule over conquered territories and people.

Indo-Greek Rule Impact on Trade

The Indo-Greeks introduced a large number of coins in the country. They were the first in the country to issue coins that can definitely be attributed to kings.

• Indo-Greeks were also the first to issue gold coins in the country, which were later issued on a wide scale by Kushans.
• Hippalus, one of the Greek sailors, in 47 AD discovered the Monsoon sea route from West Asia to India, giving a major push to trade. This also led to the creation of important ports.
• Barygaza (Bharuch) and Barbairicum on the Western Coast and Arikamedu (Podeku, according to Periplus) on the East Coast were major important ports in the country.

Indo-Greek Rule Impact on Religion

Indo-Greeks bought with them a Hellenistic art feature, which mixed with Indian art and gave rise to the Gandhara school of art.

• Foreign rulers also actively promoted Indian art and literature. The amalgamation led to the development of Buddha images in Graeco -Roman style.
• Three distinct but equally important schools, Gandhar School (50 BC to 5th Century AD), Mathura School (150 AD to 300 AD), and Amravati School (150 BC to 400 AD), developed during this period.
• Indo-Greeks helped in developing Indian theatres; curtains used in the theatre were borrowed from the Greeks. It came to be known as Yavanika. The word is derived from the term Yavana, Sanskritized form of Ionian, a branch of Greek.

Indo-Greek Rule Impact on Technology

Indo-Greeks contributed to the development of Astrology in the country. Several Greek terms about the movements of planets feature in Indian Sanskrit texts. Horasastra, a term used for astrology in Sanskrit, could have been derived from Horoscope in Greek. However, India didn’t get anything striking in medicine, botany, or chemistry from them. India was already well equipped in these subjects. These were dealt with by Charaka and Sushruta in India.

Decline of Indo-Greek Rule

The last king of Indo-Greek was Strato II, and he ruled the Punjab region until 55 BC. But some say it was until 10 AD.

• The Indo-Greek rule ended with the invasions of Indo-Scythians (Sakas).
• Saka Dynasty, Parthians, and Kushana rulers followed the Greeks and controlled larger areas than the Greeks.
• However, the Indo-Greek kingdoms didn’t decline. Rather were assimilated and absorbed into the country.
• The rise of the Gupta empire in due course around the 4th Century AD officially ended the small empires of both native and foreign princes.

Indo-Greek UPSC

The inclusion of the “Indo-Greek” topic in the UPSC history syllabus holds immense significance as it sheds light on a unique and transformative period in ancient Indian history. This historical phase witnessed a fascinating fusion of Greek and Indian cultures, art, architecture, and religious practices. Exploring the Indo-Greek topic allows UPSC aspirants to delve into the connection between civilizations and the dynamics of cultural assimilation.

Moreover, studying the Indo-Greek Kingdom provides valuable insights into trade routes, diplomatic relations, and the influence of Hellenistic traditions on the Indian subcontinent. Aspirants are advised to cover this topic comprehensively with the help of UPSC history books and notes.

Indo-Greek MCQs

Question: The Indo-Greek Kingdom was primarily located in which region of the Indian subcontinent? a) Northern India b) Central India c) Eastern India d) Southern India

Answer: a) Northern India

Question: The Indo-Greek Kingdom’s influence is most evident in which aspect of Indian culture? a) Art and architecture b) Literature and poetry c) Religious practices d) Political administration

Answer: a) Art and architecture

Question: The decline of the Indo-Greek Kingdom was primarily caused by: a) Invasions by the Scythians, b) Internal power struggles, c) Revolts by local Indian rulers d) a Decline in trade and economic instability.

Answer: a) Invasions by the Scythians

UPSC Notes
Self Respect Movement	Goods and Services Tax
UNSC	Government Schemes
Child Labour	Cashless Economy
Yashpal Committee	Gaganyaan Mission
Prehistoric Rock Paintings	Amrut Scheme
Kalinga War	Doctrine of Eclipse