In his victory campaign Alexander had conquered Pushkaravati, the capital of West Gandhara, his first prize in India after crossing Hindukush ranges. The ruler of West Gandhara was Hasti who refused to bend before the Greek invader.
Hasti fought against the Greeks valiantly. The enemy was too much superior in numbers, weapons and battle-craft. The defeat was inevitable but Hasti showed that in courage the natives were no inferior. His army perished and even his body guards laid their lives. Alexander wanted to capture Hasti alive but the latter preferred to die instead of falling in enemy hands.
West Gandhara was now Greek territory. The East Gandhara had already been won through ‘Friendship Treaty’ with its ruler Ambhi who was now an ally.
Alexander was a clever strategist. In the victory ceremony at Pushkaravati he honoured king Ambhi like a great entity. It delighted Ambhi. Overwhelmed with gratitude was Ambhi to Alexander when the Greek announced the appointment of the uncle of king Ambhi as the Governor (Satrap) of West Gandhara. King Ambhi dreamt that Alexander was so kind to him and might appoint him Grand Satrap (Governor General) of all the conquered lands of India when he would return to Greece. He was bound to go back sooner or later.
The joy of Ambhi knew no bounds. The smile never left his face as he went on day-dreaming. Now his enemy king Puru looked a small fry to him. Soon Puru would be standing before him begging for his life he muttered. The thought was exciting.
Emperor Alexander was led into Taxila to a grand welcome. The alien was treated to a public reception and royal honours. The doors of pleasure centres, whore houses and drinking places were thrown open for free entertainment of the Greek soldiers.
While the soldiers lost themselves in carnal indulgences, Alexander settled down to aquaint himself with the culture of civilisation of India. He had brought with him a team of scholars for the purpose that was to study local mythology, culture, philosophy, religious tenets, literature, customs, traditions, way of life and interaction with native scholars.
He met a famed spiritual futurologist Sage Dandayana. The futurologist read the lines of the forehead of Greek Emperor. He predicted Alexander won’t become a world conqueror and even larger part of India would remain unconquered.
It miffed Alexander and he declared he would prove the prediction of the futurologist wrong.
The pleasure holiday of the soldiers ended and the Greek conqueror resumed his battle campaign. The army was asked to cross Jhelum river to seize Kaikya. The Greeks fooled King Puru by using a ploy. They selected a spot 20 miles upstream for crossing the river where it was the broadest and hence the shallowest. To the commanders of Kaikya it appeared a natural choice. So, Puru deployed a large force to his side of river bank. But it was an enemy trick. The Greeks had no intention of crossing river from that spot. One dark night the Greek army crossed the river in thousands of boats from where it was the deepest.
Puru saw the enemy at his doorstep in the morning and realised that Greeks had fooled them. But it was too late. The messengers were rushed 20 miles upstream to get the army deployed there to the capital area where enemy had landed from across.
Puru put on his armour and came out to face the enemy with whatever force he had there in capital. The two armies faced each other. On one side was mighty Greek force with vast resources, weapons and battle experience. And on the other side was depleted Kaikya force equipped with self respect and do-or-die spirit. The soldiers of Puru fought bravely and so ferociously that they put the enemy on back foot. It was a bloody battle. The small force of Puru was pushing back the Greek army that was confronted with a protective wall of elephants by Kaikyans.
At a decisive stage the army units of Gandhara led by Ambhi arrived from behind and attacked the Puru’s force. The Greeks were advised how elephants could be dealt with, by use of spears and arrows. The injured elephants turned back and began a stampede trampling upon Kaikyan soldiers.
The tiring soldiers of Puru could not last long against rejuvenated Greeks and battle fresh army of Ambhi. Eventually, the elephant of Puru was attacked by the enemy with long spears. It collapsed and king Puru too fell to the ground.
The Greeks pinned him down before he could gather himself. He was taken prisoner and put in shackles. King Ambhi watched the scene with immense satisfaction sitting astride his battle horse. He smiled crookedly when Puru was being shackled.
But Alexander was in a different mindset. The numerous battles he fought had taught him a lesson to respect warriors and brave enemies. He admired the spirit in which king Puru of Kaikya had fought in defence.
He cast a glance at shackled Puru and said, “Till yesterday you were the ruler of this land but today you stand here as a shackled prisoner.”
“That is true, Greek Emperor,” Puru replied fearlessly, “That is the normal course of a battle, one wins and another loses. Had you been defeated you would have been in my place here.”
Greek soldiers did not like the rude remark of Puru. They looked at Alexander to see if he wanted the prisoner punished. But Alexander was faintly smiling.
Meanwhile, Ambhi drew out his sword and thought of beheading the insolent Puru to earn the praise of the alien emperor. That would complete his own revenge as well. Alexander noticed the impatience on the face of Ambhi and the sword in his hand. He signalled Ambhi not to make any move.
All the Greek commanders and soldiers watched curiously to see what fate their Emperor decided for the vanquished Puru.
After some thought Alexander said, “Now you tell me what treatment I should mete out to you?”
“The same treatment a victor king deals out to a vanquished king!”
“Very good!” Alexander exclaimed in a pleased mood.
“You are truly a brave soldier. I am very pleased with your answer. Very admirable!”
“Emperor! I thank you for the appreciation.”
“King Puru, I have decided to make you a friend. We make you our Satrap (Governor) of Kaikya, Abhisara and Ursa. Is the deal acceptable to you?”
“I am under your power and can not disobey you. Serving a brave Emperor like you will be my good fortune. I accept your order Emperor Alexander of Greece,” Puru replied feeling truly grateful to the alien ruler.
It shocked king Ambhi but there was nothing he could do. His dream had come crushing down.
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