MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat’s Bold Claim: Did Alexander Apologize to Porus?
Unveiling Historical Truths: Did Alexander Apologize to Porus ?
A Controversial Claim in the Lok Sabha Sparks Debate
In a striking statement made in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat claimed that King Porus defeated Alexander the Great 18 times and that Alexander subsequently apologized to the Indian ruler. This bold assertion has ignited a firestorm of debate, challenging established historical narratives and raising questions about the interplay between politics, history, and cultural identity. By delving into historical records, analyzing the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC), and examining modern interpretations, this article seeks to separate fact from fiction and explore the implications of such claims.
The Battle of the Hydaspes: A Historical Overview
The Battle of the Hydaspes, fought in 326 BC along the banks of the Jhelum River in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, is one of the most documented encounters of Alexander the Great’s conquests. Historical accounts, primarily from Greek and Roman sources such as Arrian and Plutarch, indicate that Alexander decisively defeated King Porus, the ruler of the Paurava kingdom. Despite the victory, the battle was hard-fought, with Porus’s forces, bolstered by war elephants, presenting a formidable challenge. The Macedonian army, renowned for its disciplined phalanx and cavalry tactics, ultimately prevailed due to Alexander’s strategic brilliance, including a daring river crossing under the cover of a storm.
Porus’s resistance was notable for its ferocity. His use of war elephants, a novelty to the Macedonians, initially disrupted Alexander’s formations. However, Alexander’s adaptability and superior military tactics turned the tide. Impressed by Porus’s valor and dignity—particularly when the defeated king, when asked how he wished to be treated, reportedly replied, “As a king”—Alexander reinstated Porus as a satrap, granting him control over his territories and additional lands to the southeast. This act of magnanimity cemented Porus’s legacy as a brave and honorable ruler, even in defeat.
Debunking the Claim: Did Porus Defeat Alexander 18 Times?
Sehrawat’s assertion that Porus defeated Alexander 18 times and received an apology is not supported by any credible historical evidence. Historical records confirm that Alexander and Porus faced each other only once, at the Battle of the Hydaspes. Claims of multiple battles or an apology from Alexander appear to be fabrications, lacking corroboration from ancient sources or archaeological evidence. Furthermore, the notion that Alexander was “chased away” by the people of Bihar, as Sehrawat previously claimed, is equally unfounded, as Alexander’s campaign halted at the Beas River, far from Bihar, due to his troops’ exhaustion and mutiny.
The Battle of the Hydaspes was a pyrrhic victory for Alexander. The grueling encounter, coupled with the Macedonian army’s extended supply lines and fatigue after years of campaigning, led to a mutiny among his troops. Unwilling to march further into India, they compelled Alexander to turn back, marking the easternmost extent of his conquests. This historical reality contradicts narratives of Porus’s dominance or Alexander’s retreat under duress from local forces.
Cultural Narratives and Historical Revisionism
The claim that Porus defeated Alexander aligns with a broader trend of historical revisionism, often driven by nationalist sentiments. In some Indian circles, particularly among right-wing groups, there is a tendency to reframe historical events to emphasize Indian supremacy and diminish foreign influence. As noted in online discussions, such narratives often stem from an “India good, others bad” perspective, portraying Porus as a triumphant hero who humbled a foreign invader. While these stories resonate with cultural pride, they risk distorting historical truths and oversimplifying complex events.
The Battle of the Hydaspes holds significant cultural weight in India, symbolizing resistance against foreign conquest. Porus’s bravery, even in defeat, has made him a folk hero, celebrated for standing up to one of history’s greatest military commanders. However, embellishing this narrative with unverified claims of multiple victories or an apology from Alexander undermines the authenticity of Porus’s legacy. His true achievement lies in his dignified defiance and the respect he earned from his adversary, not in fabricated triumphs.
The Political Context: History in the Lok Sabha
Sehrawat’s statement in the Lok Sabha raises questions about the use of historical narratives in political discourse. By invoking a revisionist version of the Alexander-Porus encounter, the MP may have sought to bolster national pride or appeal to a specific audience. However, such claims, when made on a public platform like the Lok Sabha, carry the weight of official record and risk perpetuating misinformation. The controversy underscores the need for political leaders to verify historical claims, especially when they shape public perception and influence national identity.
This is not the first instance of Sehrawat making historically inaccurate claims. Her earlier assertion that the people of Bihar repelled Alexander further illustrates a pattern of prioritizing narrative over evidence. Such statements can erode public trust in historical discourse and fuel divisive debates, particularly when they align with ideological agendas.
The Broader Impact: Greek Influence and What-If Scenarios
The Battle of the Hydaspes marked a significant moment of cultural exchange between the Greek and Indian worlds. Alexander’s campaigns introduced Hellenistic influences to northwest India, evident in the art and architecture of the Gandhara region. Had his troops not mutinied, Alexander might have pushed deeper into India, potentially challenging the emerging Mauryan Empire or even the Zhou Dynasty in China. Speculative scenarios suggest a more extensive Greek cultural footprint in Asia, though such outcomes remain hypothetical.
The battle’s legacy also highlights the resilience of Indian kingdoms. Porus’s reinstatement as a satrap reflects Alexander’s pragmatic approach to governance, integrating local rulers into his empire rather than annihilating them. This strategy facilitated stability in conquered territories but also underscores that Porus’s legacy is one of survival and adaptation, not outright victory.
Balancing Pride with Historical Accuracy
The controversy surrounding Kamaljeet Sehrawat’s claim that Alexander apologized to Porus after 18 defeats reveals the tension between historical fact and cultural narrative. While Porus’s bravery at the Battle of the Hydaspes is undeniable, there is no evidence to support claims of his victory or Alexander’s apology. Such assertions, particularly when made in a formal setting like the Lok Sabha, risk distorting history for political gain.
As India navigates its complex historical legacy, it is crucial to celebrate figures like Porus for their genuine contributions—resilience, dignity, and strategic acumen—without resorting to revisionism.
The Battle of the Hydaspes remains a testament to the clash of civilizations and the enduring power of historical truth over myth. By grounding narratives in evidence, we can honour the past while fostering informed dialogue in the present.
Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
