Table of Contents:
- About the Indo-Greek Kingdom
- Rulers list of Indo-Greek Kingdom
- Summary of the Indo-Greek Rule in India
The Indo-Greek Kingdom in India:
Most of the Indo-Greek rulers ruled in the North Western Part of the Indian subcontinent comprises Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Punjab. Indo-Greek ruler is also known as the Yavana Kingdom. They established the rule during the Mauryan time, however, most of the Indo-Greek rulers ruled during the Post Mauryan period, after the rule of Ashoka.
The following are some prominent Indo-Greek rulers:
- Seleucus I Nicator ( 312-200 BCE)
- Demetrius I ( 200-180 BCE)
- Apollodotus I ( 180 - 160 BCE)
- Menander I ( 165-145 BCE)
- Strato I( 145- 130 BCE.
- Antialcidas ( 130 to 120 BCE)
- Menander II ( 90-85 BCE)
- Strato II ( 25 BCE-10 CE)
Seleucus I Nicator ( 312-200 BCE):
Seleucus I Nicator was one of the generals of Alexanders, he was the founder of the Indo-Greek kingdom. He initially got control over Bactria (present-day Afghanistan). He fought a war with Chandragupta Maurya in 305 BC, but he was defeated, and later made a peace treaty with Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya also married the daughter of Seleucus Nicator. Megasthene was an ambassador of Seleucus Nicator who stayed in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
Demetrius I ( 200-180 BCE):
He controlled a large portion of Punjab and promoted the Greek culture in the region. He was the true founder of Indo-Greek rule in India as he expanded the large territories in India.
Menander ( 165-145 BCE) :
Menander was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler. He ruled between 165 BC to 145 BC. He was also known as Milinda.
He later converted to Buddhism. Nagasena or Nagarjuna converted him (Milinda) to Buddhism. Milinda Panho is a book which was written by Nagarjuna, which is comprised of a conversation between Milinda and Nagarjuna related to Buddha teaching.
After the death of Indo-Greek ruler Menander, his wife Agathocles also ruled. Agathocles issued coins depicting both "Sankarshana" and Vasudeva.
Sixteen Coins of King Menander have been found in Beirut( Virat Nagar near Jaipur, Rajasthan).
Coins of Menander were marked with the "Dhammachakka" of Buddhism.
Strato-I was the son of Menander.
Starto-II ( 25 BCE-10 CE):
Strato II was the last ruler of the Indo-Green dynasty. He introduced first time the Lead Coins in India.
Summary of the Indo-Greek Rule in India:
The founder of the Indo-Greek kingdom was laid by Seleucus Nicator. However, Demetrius is considered the real founder of the Indo-Greek kingdom in India.
Indo-Greek ruler is also known as the Yavana Kingdom.
Present-day Afghanistan was known as Bactria.
Menander is also known as Milinda. He was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler of India.
Indo-Greek rulers are also known for first issuers of Gold coins in India.
The Indo-Greek dynasty declined after the invasion of the Scythians ( Saka).
Strato II introduced first time the lead coin in India.
Strabo was the Greek geographer during this time.
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