His expedition would not have been possible without the great generals who stood beside him, and their presence also brought politics into the heart of the army. Many of them were often angry, and there were times when jealousy and insecurity crept into Alexander’s own thoughts. Some of these generals had been with Macedonia since the days of his father, and their influence ran deep.
If you want to read about this side of the story, and you want to understand the alliances, the tensions, and the power struggles, then I recommend you explore the Clash of the Titans and Fall of the Titans series by Mundus Gnosis. These are not the kind of books that make your eyes heavy after a few paragraphs with dry, textbook-style language. The books by Mundus Gnosis are different, and they draw you in because you feel the story as if you’re living it.
Alexander the great (327 and 325 BCE)
In 327 BCE, Alexander crossed the Hindu Kush into what is now Pakistan and began his campaign by attacking strongholds in the Swat and Buner valleys. There, he faced strong resistance from hill tribes like the Aspasioi and the Assakenoi, who fought fiercely before they were defeated.
In 326 BCE, he reached the River Hydaspes, where he fought the famous Battle of Hydaspes against King Porus. Even though Porus used war elephants with great force, Alexander won by using clever tactics. He was so impressed by Porus that he made him an ally and let him continue ruling his kingdom. After this victory, Alexander wanted to march further east, but his army was exhausted and feared the powerful Nanda Empire beyond the Ganges. They refused to go any further.
In 325 BCE, Alexander turned south and followed the Indus River. On the way, he fought local tribes like the Mallians and the Oxydracians. In one of these battles, he was seriously wounded. As the campaign came to an end, he split his army. One group took the land route, and the other traveled by sea under the command of his admiral Nearchus.
Greek Commanders Under Alexander
Hephaestion: The Closest Companion
Hephaestion was not just Alexander’s closest friend but also his most trusted commander. He helped lead the difficult crossing through the Khyber Pass and the Indus River and stood by Alexander during the key moments of the campaign. At the Battle of Hydaspes, Hephaestion led elite troops and later helped manage the southern retreat. He often handled important missions and was more than just a general. He was the one Alexander relied on throughout the Indian journey.
Peithon, Son of Agenor: Governor of the Indus
Peithon played a major role during the tough Mallian campaign by leading Macedonian phalanx units. As a reward for his loyalty, Alexander made him the satrap of the Indus region. In this role, Peithon had to keep Greek control strong. He stopped revolts, including one led by Musicanus. His work was important for holding the eastern edge of Alexander’s empire.
Philip, Son of Machatas: Builder of Alexandria
Philip was given control west of the Hydaspes River. He helped carry out Alexander’s goal of linking Greek and Indian cultures by founding Alexandria on the Indus. This city was meant to boost trade and bring people together. But in 325 BCE, Philip was killed, which caused unrest in the region. Alexander had to act fast to replace him and hold the area together.
Eudemus: Elephant Commander and Seeker of Power
Eudemus took charge of a large part of Alexander’s army in India, especially the units with war elephants. After Alexander died, Eudemus made his own moves. He killed King Porus and ruled parts of northern India until 316 BCE. His story shows how some commanders tried to grab power for themselves once Alexander was no longer there.
Naval Commander: Nearchus
Nearchus was the admiral in charge of Alexander’s fleet. He led the sea journey from the Indus River to the Persian Gulf. His detailed travel account, the Indica, gave a lot of information about India’s geography, plants, animals, and trade routes. His mission helped build a link between the sea routes of India and the western world.
Alexander’s Indian campaign was shaped by more than just battles. It was a journey filled with challenges, shifting loyalties, and moments that pushed his army to its limits. From harsh river crossings to fierce resistance and surprising alliances, every step left a lasting mark on both Greek and Indian history.
If you want to explore the true story of Alexander’s clash with India and the kings who stood against him, read Fall of the Titans. It focuses on the battles, decisions, and turning points that defined this unforgettable chapter.
