Indian Ascetics as observed by the Greeks in 4th century BCE
India, in the fourth century BC, and indeed , since the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the fifth century BCE had been noted for the multiplicity of its schools and sects of ascetics.
Their forerunners were the wandering ascetics of the Vedic days , the ' Charakas', and, later, the 'Parivrajakas', followed by pre-Buddhistic sects like 'Ajvikās' ( who went about naked), the 'Nirgranthas' ( of scanty clothing) , the 'Jatilakas', and the like.
The Greeks who invaded India, under Alexander between 327-325 BCE, have left an account of their impressions on these ascetics.
The works of Arrian, Plutarch, et al provide an important information on the meetings between the Greeks and the Indian ascetics.
At the time of Alexander's invasion in 326 BCE, the Greeks saw the Indian ascetics at Taxila.
As they won't care to see Alexander, Alexander sent them a person called Onesicritus, who reports that he saw a group of ascetics 15 km from Taxila.
On being told that the Greek king wanted to learn their wisdom, one of them bluntly stated that ” no one coming in the way of European clothes could earn their wisdom.
"To do that , he must strip naked and learn to sit on the hot stones besides them.”
The leader or Guru of these ascetics is named by Greeks as Dandamis, an unbending idealist, who did not care to see Alexander even on the pain of death and sent his reply in noble words:
"God alone is the object of my homage. Alexander is not God since he must taste death. I have no fear or favour to ask. What Alexander can offer me is utter useless."
"The things that I prize are these leaves which are my house, these blooming plants, which supply me food. Having nothing which requires gardening, I have tranquil slumber, whereas had I gold to guard, that would banish sleep."
"The Brahmins neither love gold nor fear death.. "
These words truly represent the philosophy of life followed by ascetics of India in all ages up to this day, believing in 'Chittavritii nirodha, meaning. 'withdrawal of mind from the objective world of matter', as the foundation of religious life & spirituality of man.
It is to be noted that the Greeks did not find any Buddhist monks in NW India.
It is strange that Buddhism existed at least two centuries before Alexander's invasion, and yet we see no reference to Buddhists in the Greek accounts.
Either Buddhism wasn't there at all at the time in NW or the appearance & manners of its followers were not so peculiar as to enable a foreigner to distinguish them from the mass of the people.
Source: Chandragupta Maurya & his times by Dr. R. K. Mookerji
When did the Greek soldiers, who came with Alexander, leave India ?
Treaty of Babylon (323 BCE), formulated just after the death of Alexander, mentions 'India east of Indus' (till Beas river) belonging to the Greek empire.
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The treaty of Triparadisus (321 BCE) which further partitioned Alexander's empire among his generals, doesn't include any regions east of Indus.
This signified the independence of these eastern regions from Greek rule.
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So, between 325 BCE -321 BCE, the 'tall poppies of Greek imperialism' were cut down by the revolutionaries led by Chandragupta.
Greeks 'West of Indus' continued their presence, but left along with Eudemus & Peithon in c. 317 BCE to participate in the 'Diadochi Wars'.
Domingo Paes was a Portuguese traveller, who visited Vijaynagara in c. 1520 and has left a detailed and vivid description of Vijaynagara and the emperor.
His account is one of the very few descriptions of Vijaynagara by a foreign traveller.
Appearance of Raya
This is what Paes says about the Emperors' appearance:
"The king is of medium height, has a fair complexion and a good figure. He is of cheerful disposition, honours foreigners, receives them kindly and asks all about their affairs.... "
The story is taken from Ramayana, where Ravana, because of his victories against Gods and humans becomes so arrogant that he now wants to lift up the Kailasha, which is an abode of his benefactor God, Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Let's look at the details of this sculpture, which is at cave number 29, Ellora.
The thread would list few of the greatest traitors of India, whose acts allowed foreign rule of the country, for which they were rewarded by the invaders.
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1. Sanggaios or Sanjaya (c. 327 BCE)
Sanggaios was a chieftain under 'Astes' or 'Hastin' during Alexander's invasion.
He betrayed his master and joined the Greeks, who captured the city.
Sanggaios was later given administration of the fallen city by Alexander.
2. Sisicottus or Sasigupta (c. 326 BCE)
Sasigupta was a chieftain of NW of India & helped Alexander during his invasion.
He was an agent of Greek imperialism, who also helped Alexander crush rebellion of Ashvanayas.
He was rewarded with regions like Rock of Aronos to govern.