Socio-Political and Economic conditions of India before the invasion of Alexander

 

Socio-Political and Economic conditions of India before the invasion of Alexander  

In the fourth century BC, the Greeks and Iranians fought for world domination. In that war, King Alexander of Macedonia destroyed the hegemony of the Iranian Empire. Alexander planned to conquer India after conquering Asia Minor, Iraq and Iran. He heard that India was a wealthy country and came to conquer it attracted by its vast resources. During the time of Alexander’s invasion political, social, and economic conditions were as follows.

Political Condition of India:

During the time of Alexander’s invasion, India was divided into small states. There was no central authority.  These small states had very limited resources to face any invader. Not only this but we also learn this these tiny states quarrel with each other. Whereas some of these states were republicans and functioned in democratic lines, the others were monarchies. Whereas some were limited monarchies others disliked that form of Government. These small states had varied causes of quarrels and friction. These included a desire for personal glory, a different form of government, and a lack of any sovereign authority over these states. These states were faced with the serious problem of regaining their lost resources which had been depleted due to the Persian occupation of the north-western states of India. Some of the important states at the time of Alexander’s invasion were Assakenos, Aspasian, Abhisara, Agalassoi, Abastonoi  upto lower Senab river; lower Indus valley tribes, Southern Punjab tribes, the kingdom of Sophytes, the Kingdom of Nysa, the kingdom of Ambhi, the Siboi, the kingdom of Porus, the Patalene and the Peukelaotis.

Thus politically the whole country was divided into small principalities and it was not at all difficult for any ambitious invader to establish his sway over anyone. The invader was also sure that each one will come to his help because of hatred for the other.

Social Condition:

As regards the social conditions of India, society was badly divided.  The Cast system had become very rigid and the conditions of the Sudras were very miserable who saw their redress in other than Hindu society. They had been denied all privileges. In those days slavery system was quite common. Society was sharply divided between the rich and the poor. Sati system was quite common. Dead bodies were not buried but burnt. On the whole social conditions were not satisfactory. The burden of defense of the country was thrown on the Kshatriyas and other sections of the society did not bother about it. Other than that, the defense was no second option.  

Religious Condition:

At the time of Alexander’s invasion, Hinduism was suffering from many unwanted evils. The priestly Brahmin class had introduced many costly rituals and rites which the poor sections of the society could not afford. Even otherwise these were beyond the comprehension of the common man. It was because of this that Buddhism and Jainism had become popular in the country. Lord Rama and Lord Krishna were quite popular gods and were worshipped by the Householders. In addition, the river Ganges was considered sacred and worshipped by the Hindus. Brahmins were still held in high esteem. The people were by and large vegetarian but some were non-vegetarian as well. Brahminism was trying to remove the ills from which it was sufferings.

Economic Conditions:

Economically the society was divided between the rich and the poor. Whereas the rich lived luxurious life of comfort and ease the poor toiled and worked hard. The country had commercial and trade relations with several countries of the world and had favourable trade balance. A large part of the trade was under government control. Coins were in common use. Some of the commodities traded included diamonds, jewelry, horses, and elephants.

Before Alexander invaded India, the Persians occupied the border regions of India and introduced foreign rule. Alexander easily conquered the region and advanced to the middle of Hindustan.