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We start with a look at the ancient sources, which are surprisingly poor for Alexander. Although we have five main histories of his reign, they were all written centuries later, and none of the contemporary accounts of his career have survived. The two most significant India sources – the Arthasastra and the Mahabharata are both examined, for the insights they give us into Indian warfare of the period.
As one would expect there is more on Alexander than on Poros, but the section on Poros’s army is more detailed than I had expected, combining what we know about India armys in general with the recorded details of Poros’s army at the Hydaspes. Where these differ, as with the exact nature of the chariots used at the battle, a good case is made for the general information being more accurate than the specific.
A nice feature of this book are the modern photographs of the area the battle was fought in. These make it clear that this was a very different landscape to the open spaces of Alexander’s victories over the Persians – instead we have dramatic mountains, dense forests, a major river and hidden ravines, and at the time major swamps.
The account of the battle itself makes it clear that this was Alexander’s masterpiece. He was able to draw Poros out of position, cross the Hydaspes at an unexpected place, use his cavalry to defeat Poros’s cavalry and inspired his infantry to hold off and then defeat the Indian elephants. Poros may not have commanded the massive armies of Persia, but he still had a large powerful army, and stayed with his troops to the end, being captured during the battle.
Chapters
Origins of the Campaign
Chronology
Opposing Commanders – Alexander, Poros
Opposing Forces – Alexander’s Army, Poros’ army
The Battle of the Hydaspes – The crossing, The battle, Analysis
Aftermath
Author: Nic Fields
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 96
Publisher: Osprey
Year: 2023