Over crossing which of the following rivers did the army of Alexander revolt and order to retreat in 326 BC?

The correct answer is Beas.

Key Points

• The army of Alexander the Great revolted at the banks of the Beas River in 326 BC, marking the easternmost limit of his conquest.
• The soldiers were weary from prolonged campaigns and unwilling to face the massive armies of the Nanda Empire and other Indian rulers further east.
• Alexander tried to persuade his troops to continue the campaign but ultimately decided to retreat due to the overwhelming resistance.
• The mutiny at the Beas River is considered a significant turning point in Alexander's conquest of India.
• After the revolt, Alexander began his journey back toward the west, leaving behind governors and satraps to manage the conquered regions.

Additional Information

• Alexander's Indian Campaign:
  • Alexander invaded India in 326 BC and defeated King Porus at the Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum River).
  • Despite his victory, Alexander treated Porus with respect and reinstated him as a ruler.
  • His Indian campaign was part of his larger goal to conquer the known world.
• Beas River:
  • The Beas River is one of the five rivers of Punjab and holds historical significance due to Alexander's retreat.
  • It originates in Himachal Pradesh and flows through Punjab before merging with the Sutlej River.
• Nanda Empire:
  • The Nanda Empire was a powerful and wealthy dynasty that ruled parts of northern India during Alexander's time.
  • Its military strength was one of the reasons Alexander's troops feared advancing further east.
• Alexander's Legacy:
  • Alexander's campaigns spread Hellenistic culture across Asia and marked the beginning of cultural exchanges between Greece and India.
  • He left a lasting influence on art, architecture, and military strategy in the regions he conquered.