What role did the Greeks play in the creation of the Maurya Empire?
The Greeks played a significant role in the creation of the Maurya Empire by influencing and shaping its political, military, and administrative systems.
To understand the Greeks' involvement in the creation of the Maurya Empire, we need to follow these steps:
1. Investigate the time period: The Maurya Empire existed from around 322 BCE to 185 BCE. This timeframe is relevant to understanding any potential Greek influence.
2. Explore Alexander the Great's conquests: In 326 BCE, Alexander the Great, a Greek king, invaded the Indian subcontinent and established Greek presence in the region. This event laid the foundation for future interactions between the Greeks and the Mauryan Empire.
3. Study Chandragupta Maurya: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. He had a close relationship with Alexander's successor, Seleucus Nicator. After Alexander's death, Seleucus controlled portions of the empire, which included parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan.
4. Examine the Treaty of Seleucus: In 305 BCE, Chandragupta and Seleucus signed a peace treaty known as the Treaty of Seleucus. This treaty defined the territorial boundaries between the Seleucid Empire (Greek) and the Maurya Empire, establishing cordial relations between the two powers. As a result of this treaty, Chandragupta acquired significant territories including present-day Punjab.
5. Analyze the influence on administration and military: The Greeks' influence can be seen in the Mauryan administrative and military systems. The Mauryas adopted aspects of the Greek military formations, especially the use of cavalry and infantry tactics. Greek influence can also be observed in the Mauryan bureaucracy, which showed traces of Hellenistic administrative practices.
Overall, the Greeks played a crucial role in the creation of the Maurya Empire by influencing its political, military, and administrative systems. Their invasion under Alexander the Great and subsequent interactions with Chandragupta Maurya shaped the course of history in the region.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurya_Empire#Decline
http://www.macrohistory.com/h1/india4.htm