Indo Greek Kingdom [2nd cent BCE-1st cent CE]

Table of Contents

Introduction: Indo Greek Kingdom

The Indo Greek Kingdom refers to a period of ancient Indian history marked by the presence of Greek rulers in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. This fascinating era emerged from the interactions between the Hellenistic kingdoms of West Asia and the Indian subcontinent following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

The Indo Greek Kingdom flourished from around the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE and covered parts of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as regions in northwestern India.

One of the most enduring legacies of the Indo-Greek Kingdom is the spread of Hellenistic influences in Indian art, particularly in Gandhara and Mathura.

The Indo Greeks: Overview

The Indo Greek Kingdom, also known as the Yavana Kingdom, was a Hellenistic era Greek kingdom that emerged in parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India around 200 BCE. The Hellenistic period refers to the period between the death of Alexander in 323 BC and the emergence of the Roman Empire.

Location:
- The Indo-Greek Kingdom was a Hellenistic era Greek kingdom located in parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India.
Etymology of “Yavana”:
- This kingdom is often called the Yavana Kingdom in ancient Indian sources, from the words “Yona” (Pali) and “Yavana” (Sanskrit), which referred to the Greeks. The word “Yavana” originated from “Ionian“, a term the Greeks used for the Ionian people. The Ionians were early Greek settlers in Asia Minor.
Historical Background:
- The Indo-Greek Kingdom began around 186 BCE when the Graeco-Bactrian king Demetrius I invaded India.
- The Indo Greek kingdom emerged as a result of the disintegration of the Greek Empire after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE.
- Indo-Greek kings ruled for about two centuries before the kingdom declined around 10 AD due to invasions by the Indo-Scythians.
Capitals:
- The Indo-Greek Kingdom established various regional capitals to administer its vast and diverse territories. The capitals were:-
  - Taxila,
  - Sagala (present-day Sialkot), and
  - Alexandria in the Caucasus (now Bagram).
Greek-Indian Cultural Fusion:
- Indo-Greek culture blended Greek and Indian elements, visible in their coins, language, and art.
- They adopted Indian symbols on coins, combining both Greek and Indian languages.
- The influence of Greco-Buddhist art from this period has had a lasting impact.
Coins:
- Indo-Greek kings introduced double-die coins, engraved on both sides, with Greek and Indian symbols.
- Many Indo-Greek coins have been found in Rohtak, India.
Prominent Indo-Greek Kings:
- Menander I, also known as Menander Soter, is one of the most famous Indo-Greek kings, ruling from his capital at Sagala.
Decline:
- After Menander’s death, the Indo-Greek kingdom was divided into smaller states and republics.
- Indo-Greek rule gradually weakened, eventually ending around 10 AD due to Indo-Scythian invasions.

Indo Greek Kings

Demetrius

Approx. 235 BC Euthydemos founded a dynasty. He was a contemporary of Antiochus (a descendant of Selucus).
This dynasty ruled the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms from 230 BC to 10 AD.
Demetrius succeeded his father Euthydemos around 200 BC.
Demetrius invaded India (186 BCE) from Bactria (an area between the Hindu Kush mountain range and the Oxus River).
Indo-Greek kingdom was founded by Demetrius.
While Demetrius was fighting in northern India, a Greek general named Eucratides took possession of Bactria and founded another dynasty (171 BC).
Demetrius had the title “Anicetus“(means invincible).
Demetrius was contemporary to Pushyamitra Shunga (185–149 BC).
Among the Greek kings, he was the first to issue bilingual coins. It is written in an Indian language (Khorosti script) along with Greek.

Menander

The most famous Indo Greek ruler was Menander (Milinda).
He ascended the throne after the death of Demetrius.
Extention of Empire: He established an empire in the Indian Subcontinent stretching from the Kabul River valley in the west to the Ravi River in the east. Ptolemy mentioned that Menander‘s rule extended up to Mathura.
Capital: He made Sakala (present-day Sialkot) his capital.
Religion: Menander embraced Buddhism.
Milinda Panho: The conversations between Menander and Nagasena (a Buddhist sage) are recorded in “Milinda Panho” (The Questions of King Milinda). It is written in Pali.
Coins: His coins have been found in a region extending from Kabul in the west to Mathura in the east, and even to Bundelkhand.
Plutarch says he was renowned for his justice.

Strato III

He was the last Indo Greek king who ruled from around 25 BCE to 10 CE.
We only know about him through the coins of his father, Strato II.
Strato III was probably overthrown by the Northern Satraps like Rajuvula and Bhadayasa.

Indo Greek Coins

Indo Greek coins are a remarkable example of ancient numismatics. These coins provide key insights into the Indo-Greek influence on art, trade, and society in the Indian subcontinent. The Indo-Greek kings were among the first to use double-die engraving on the coin, with detailed designs on both the front and back. These coins feature unique bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Kharosthi. Indo-Greek coins were primarily made from silver, copper, and bronze, though gold coins were also issued by some rulers.

Aspect	Details
Materials	Primarily Silver, some Gold, and Copper
Types of Coins	1. Drachmas – Main silver coins, often with Greek legends and images.
	2. Tetradrachms – Larger silver coins with detailed designs.
	3. Hemiobols – Smaller denominations, often in copper or bronze.
Obverse Design	Often featured the king’s portrait, sometimes with a diadem or crown.
Reverse Design	Commonly depicted deities such as – Athena (Goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft) or – Heracles (God of strength), or – symbols like a horse or elephant.
Legend/Inscription	Greek legends were used, including the king’s name and titles.
Features	Demetrius I: Coins with an elephant motif symbolizing military prowess.
	Menander I: Coins often showed the king with an elaborate diadem and were widely circulated.
	Apollodotus I: Coins featuring a helmeted head and various deities.
Historical Significance	Indo-Greek coins provide valuable information about the cultural and political influences of Greek rulers in India.
Minting Locations	Taxila and Sagala.

Heliodorus Pillar

The Heliodorus pillar is a stone column that was constructed by Heliodorus around 113 BCE in Besnagar (near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh).
It pillar was erected in honour of Vishnu.
Heliodorus was an ambassador of the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas from Taxila and was sent to the Sunga ruler Bhagabhadra.

Quick Revision: Indo Greek Kingdom at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Period	2nd century BCE to 1st century CE
Location	Northwestern Indian subcontinent (modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of North Western India)
Founding	Founded after the disintegration of Alexander’s empire by his successor generals, particularly following the establishment of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
Key Rulers	Demetrius I (200–180 BCE) Euthydemus I (230–200 BCE) Apollodotus I (180–160 BCE) Menander I (Milinda) (165–130 BCE) Antialcidas (115–95 BCE) Strato II (25 BCE–10 CE) Strato III (10–10 CE)
Capital Cities	Taxila (modern-day Pakistan) Pushkalavati (modern-day Charsadda, KPK, Pakistan) Sagala (modern-day Sialkot, Pakistan)
Cultural Influence	Fusion of Hellenistic (Greek) and Indian cultures Introduction of Greek language and art in the Indian subcontinent The spread of Buddhism by Indo-Greek rulers
Religion	Patronage of Buddhism, with some rulers converting to Buddhism
Art and Architecture	Demetrius I (founder, expanded territory into India) Menander I (Milinda, the most famous ruler)
Coinage	Bilingual coins with Greek on one side and Kharosthi/Brahmi on the other Depictions of Greek gods and Indian deities (e.g., Zeus, Athena, Buddha)
Economy	Trade links between India, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean