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The Mauryan Expansion into Eastern Alexandria (316 BCE) - Chandragupta's Conquest of the Seleucid Satrapies
In 316 BCE, the Mauryan Empire, under the leadership of its ambitious founder Chandragupta Maurya, expanded its dominion into the eastern territories of the faltering Seleucid satrapies—often referred to in later historical texts as "Eastern Alexandria." This conquest marked a pivotal moment in the power struggle between the rising Mauryan dynasty and the Hellenistic successors of Alexander the Great.
After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BCE, his vast empire fragmented among his generals (the Diadochi). Seleucus I Nicator gained control of the eastern provinces, including parts of Persia, Bactria, and the Indus Valley. However, his hold over these distant regions was tenuous, especially as Chandragupta Maurya was consolidating power in northern India.
By 316 BCE, Chandragupta had already overthrown the Nanda dynasty and established the Mauryan Empire. His next target was the Hellenistic satrapies (governorates) in the northwest, which had been weakened by infighting among Alexander's successors.
The term "Eastern Alexandria" likely refers to settlements or administrative regions established by Alexander or his successors in the eastern reaches of the empire, possibly including areas like Arachosia (modern Afghanistan) and Gandhara (northwest India/Pakistan).
Chandragupta's campaign against these satrapies was part of a broader Mauryan expansion westward. Historical accounts, including later Greek and Roman sources (such as Strabo and Appian), suggest that Chandragupta engaged in direct conflict with Seleucus I. While the exact details of the 316 BCE campaign are sparse, it is likely that Chandragupta exploited the instability in the region to assert Mauryan dominance.
The conflict culminated in a decisive Mauryan victory, forcing Seleucus to cede vast territories in exchange for peace. The Treaty of 303 BCE (or thereabouts) formalized this arrangement:
- Seleucus surrendered Arachosia, Gedrosia, Paropamisadae, and possibly parts of Gandhara.
- In return, Chandragupta gifted Seleucus 500 war elephants, which played a crucial role in Seleucus's later victories against rival Diadochi.
- A marriage alliance may have been formed, further solidifying relations.
The Mauryan conquest of the eastern Seleucid satrapies in 316 BCE was a landmark event that reshaped the political landscape of South and Central Asia. Chandragupta's triumph not only expanded his empire but also set the stage for centuries of Indo-Greek interaction. While precise details of the campaign remain debated, its consequences were undeniably profound.
Note: Some historical uncertainties exist due to limited primary sources from this period. Later Greek and Indian texts, along with archaeological evidence, provide the basis for this reconstruction.