Alexander, the Prince of Macedonia (Greece), invaded India in 326 B.C., at a time when the country was divided into a number of small kingdoms which were constantly at war with each other and, therefore, unable to present a united front against any foreign invasion.
Having first defeated the various hilly tribes beyond Indus, Alexander met King Ambhi of Taxila v ho offered the former his services against King Porus and other Indian rulers. Porus was a very powerful king who ruled the territory between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab.
In a fierce battle that ensued, King Porus’ forces were defeated and he was captured. However, impressed by Porus’s courage, Alexander not only released him but also returned all his territory. After having conquered various other rulers and tribes, the Greek invader reached the banks of Beas, which marked the western limit of the mighty Magadhan Empire. From here, he retreated instead of going any further.
Alexander’s invasion did not leave any lasting effects on India, except that it opened hew lines of communication between the Greek and Indian civilisations.