Battle Of The Hydaspes In Western India (326 BC)

In 328 BC, Alexander had defeated the last of the Persian resistance. Following his marriage to Roshanak (Roxana), which solidified his ties with the Central Asian satrapies, he turned his attention to India. After defeating many clans and tribes in the region, Alexander crossed the Indus to battle Porus, the ruler of Punjab, in the Battle of Hydrapes. After an epic fight, Alexander was so impressed by Porus' bravery that he allied with him and made him the satrap of his country. This conflict was the last of Alexander's major engagements. Alexander was noted for being ruthless, persistent, diplomatic, and even kind at times, in addition to being a skilled military tactician and general. Perhaps it was because of these traits that he was able to survive his long and treacherous campaign, in which he went unbeaten in battle.

Many consider the Battle of Hydaspes to be an ambitious venture, well beyond anything Alexander had previously done, but the young king recognized that he needed to destroy King Porus in order to continue his march across India. Alexander's first march across India went mostly unopposed, and he gained a number of supporters along the route. He despatched an agent to Porus in the hopes of averting a conflict with the Indian monarch, but the arrogant king refused to pay tribute and warned Alexander that he would meet him in battle. He was confident, feeling that the river itself, which was nearly a mile wide, deep, and fast-moving, was his best protection (unlike the river Granicus). The monsoon season and melting Himalayan snow would have expanded it much more by the time Alexander arrived.