King Porus: Why did Alexander befriend his rival King Porus?

Alexander and Porus War: A day also came when Alexander reached the kingdom of King Porus. After coming to India, the king of Taxila asked Alexander to attack Porus so that the kingdom could be expanded. After this the confrontation between the two started.

After conquering many countries of the world, the great Alexander turned to India. An Indian king gave a tough fight to Alexander who came to India from Greece. He was King Porus, who ruled Punjab-Sindh, who was also known as Puruvas. King Porus's empire was spread from Jhelum to Chenab river in Punjab . After conquering many countries of the world, when Alexander reached India, the kings of Gandhara and Takshashila welcomed him after seeing his huge army, but when he faced King Porus, they gave him a tough fight.

Alexander had no idea that in the India where he was welcomed, the one who would compete with him would stand in front of him like a rock.

When Porus surprised Alexander

In a BBC report, Professor of Ancient History at Delhi University, R. C. Thakaran says, the way India is seen today, earlier it was not the same country. There were many small states around the Jhelum river in Punjab, but Porus also had a part of them. In his time, he was considered a very powerful king.

A day also came when Alexander reached the kingdom of King Porus. After coming to India, the king of Taxila asked Alexander to attack Porus so that the kingdom could be expanded. After this the confrontation between the two started. In 326 BC there was a war between Alexander and Porus. King Porus fought with full valour, but was defeated after a long struggle. In this war, Alexander's army also lost a lot and its strength decreased.

According to the stories recorded in history, when there was a war between the two, there were more than 50 thousand soldiers in Alexander's army while Porus had 20 thousand soldiers. When both the armies were face to face, Alexander made elephants stand in front of Porus. Sikandar was also shocked to see him.

However, some historians believe that the war between Alexander and Porus did not take place in India but in Pakistan. DP Dubey, professor of ancient history at Allahabad University, says that Alexander did not muster the courage to cross the Sindh river.

This is how the friendship of both happened

After losing the battle, King Porus was presented before Alexander. Sikandar asked Porus, tell me how to deal with you. On this question, King Porus said, exactly as one ruler does with another ruler.

Alexander was pleased with Porus' answer and here the foundation of friendship was laid between the two. Although some historians believe that this friendship was a part of Alexander's strategy. Sikandar made friendship so that he could get Porus's support in times of need.