Taxiles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ambhi |
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Ambhi offering presents to Alexander the Great
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| King of Gandhara and its capital Takshashila (Taxila) | |
| Reign | c. 326 BC – c. 316 BC |
| Born | Taxila, Punjab |
Ambhi, also known as Taxiles or Taxilas, was a powerful king in ancient India. He ruled an area between the Indus and Jhelum rivers in the Punjab region. Greek historians called him Taxiles or Taxilas. This name came from his capital city, Taxila, which is near the modern city of Attock, Pakistan. Ambhi lived during the 4th century BC, around the time Alexander the Great came to India.
Contents
Life as a King
Becoming King of Taxila
Ambhi became the king of Takshasila. He sent messengers and gifts to Alexander the Great. These gifts included a lot of silver (about 200 talents, which was a huge amount of money or weight), 3,000 fat oxen, and 10,000 sheep. He also offered 700 horsemen to help Alexander. Ambhi was ready to surrender to Alexander.
Friends and Enemies
Ambhi did not get along with his neighbor, King Porus. Porus ruled the lands east of the Jhelum River. To make himself stronger against Porus, Ambhi sent messengers to Alexander. Alexander was still in a faraway land called Sogdiana at the time. Ambhi offered his help and support to Alexander, perhaps hoping for money in return.
Meeting Alexander the Great
When Alexander first arrived in India in 327 BC, he was careful when he saw Ambhi's large army. Alexander ordered his own soldiers to get ready for battle. But Ambhi quickly showed Alexander that he meant no harm. He met Alexander with valuable gifts and offered all his forces to him.
Alexander was pleased. He not only let Ambhi keep his title and gifts, but he also gave him many presents. These included "Persian robes, gold and silver ornaments, 30 horses, and 1000 talents in gold." Alexander felt confident enough to split his army. Ambhi helped Alexander's generals, Hephaestion and Perdiccas, build a bridge over the Indus River. He also gave food and supplies to their soldiers. Ambhi welcomed Alexander and his entire army into his capital city of Taxila. He showed great friendship and welcomed them very generously.
Helping Alexander in Battle
Later, when Alexander's army moved forward, King Ambhi joined them. He brought 5,000 of his own soldiers. Ambhi and his men took part in the famous Battle of the Hydaspes.
After Alexander left India, a general named Eudemus briefly took control of Taxila. But by 317 BC, Chandragupta Maurya conquered the areas that Alexander's governors had ruled in India.
See also
- Porus
- Abisares
- Cleophis
- Pushkarasarin
