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

Indo Greek Kingdom at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Time 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

The Indo Greeks

• 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.
• The Indo Greek Kingdom (Yavanarajya), was a Hellenistic period Greek kingdom that covered some parts of Afghanistan and the northwest regions of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Hellenistic period refers to the period between the death of Alexander in 323 BC and the emergence of the Roman Empire.
• The Indo Greeks are described as Yona (Pali) or Yavana (Sanskrit) in Indian sources.
• In this period double-die coins (engraved on both sides) started to appear.
• Numerous Indo-Greek coins were found in the city of Rohtak (northwest of Mathura).

Notable 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 kingdoms 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

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.

Indo Greeks UPSC PSC MCQs

Which one of the following Indo-Greek rulers issued lead coins? [UPPSC 2014]

• (a) Strato-II
• (b) Strato-I
• (c) Demetrius
• (d) Menander

Ans: (a) Strato-II

The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the [IAS (Pre) 2000]

• (a) Greeks
• (b) Sakas
• (c) Parthians
• (d) Mughals

Ans: (a) Greeks

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