Monday, April 29, 2019
Biography of King Porus:
King Porus, also known as Purushottama and Poros, was a significant historical figure in ancient Indian history, particularly during the time of Alexander the Great's conquests. Porus was a king of the Paurava kingdom in the Indian subcontinent, ruling a region that roughly corresponds to the modern-day Punjab region of Pakistan and parts of the Indian state of Punjab.
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| Biography of King Porus |
Here are key points in the biography of King Porus:
1. Background and Early Life of Porus:
Porus belonged to the Paurava dynasty, and his kingdom was situated along the banks of the Jhelum River.
The exact details of Porus's early life, including his birth date, are not well-documented in historical records.
2. Confrontation with Alexander the Great:
The most well-known episode in Porus's life is his encounter with Alexander the Great during the latter's invasion of the Indian subcontinent in 326 BCE.
The Battle of the Hydaspes River, fought between Porus and Alexander in 326 BCE, is a significant event in ancient military history.
3. King Porus in Battle of the Hydaspes River:
The Battle of the Hydaspes River took place near the Jhelum River (known as the Hydaspes in ancient times).
Despite being outnumbered, Porus put up a fierce resistance against Alexander's forces. The battle is known for its intensity and strategic maneuvers.
4. Defeat and Magnanimity:
Porus fought valiantly, but eventually, he was defeated by Alexander. However, his bravery impressed Alexander, who treated Porus with great respect.
According to historical accounts, when Alexander asked Porus how he wished to be treated, Porus replied, "Treat me, O Alexander, like a king."
5. Ruler under Alexander's Dominion:
After the battle, Alexander decided to keep Porus as the ruler of his own kingdom, albeit as a vassal under Alexander's suzerainty.
Porus continued to govern his kingdom under the overall authority of Alexander's empire.
6. Fate and Legacy of Porus:
The details of Porus's later life and the circumstances of his death are not well-documented in historical records.
Porus's encounter with Alexander is considered a symbol of Indian resistance against foreign invasions. His bravery and the respect shown by Alexander have become part of ancient Indian folklore.
7. Historical Sources:
The primary historical sources that provide information about King Porus include the accounts of ancient historians like Quintus Curtius Rufus, Arrian, and Plutarch. These accounts offer varying perspectives on the Battle of the Hydaspes River and its aftermath.
King Porus remains a notable figure in Indian history, symbolizing the resilience and valor of the ancient Indian kingdoms in the face of external invasions. The Battle of the Hydaspes River serves as a testament to Porus's courage and the complex interactions between different cultures during that historical period.