When did the Battle of Hydaspes between Alexander and Porus take place?

Appeared in: JSSH Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

The Battle of the Hydaspes is a well-documented event in ancient history that occurred in the year 326 B.C.
This conflict was fought between the invading army of Alexander the Great and the forces of King Porus of the Paurava kingdom.
The battle took place on the banks of the Jhelum River in the Punjab region, which was known to the ancient Greeks as the Hydaspes River.
This event marked the furthest eastern point of Alexander's conquests.

Option A: This date is incorrect. By 254 B.C., Alexander the Great had been deceased for nearly 70 years, and the Mauryan Empire, under the rule of Ashoka the Great, was the dominant power in India.
Option C: This date is too early. Alexander the Great was born in 356 B.C., so in 436 B.C., he had not yet been born.
Option D: This date is incorrect. In 343 B.C., Alexander was a teenager (around 13 years old) in Macedon and was being tutored by the philosopher Aristotle. His famous military campaigns had not yet begun.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Ancient Indian History: Battle of Hydaspes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general knowledge of world history, which is often a component of the general intelligence or aptitude section in various competitive examinations, including some for nursing admissions.
Having a broad knowledge base, including major historical events, demonstrates well-roundedness and analytical skills valuable in any profession.
What if the question asked about the impact of Alexander's invasion on India? The answer would shift from a specific date to the cultural and political consequences, such as the influence of Hellenistic art and the political vacuum that facilitated the rise of the Mauryan Empire.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements in the question: 'Battle of Hydaspes', 'Alexander', and 'Porus'. This clearly points to a specific event in ancient history.
Recognize this as a factual recall question that requires knowledge of a specific date.
Access your memory of major world history timelines, specifically focusing on the campaigns of Alexander the Great.
Recall that Alexander's invasion of India occurred in the latter part of the 4th century B.C.
Evaluate the given options based on this timeline. This allows you to eliminate dates that are clearly too early (436 B.C.) or too late (254 B.C.).
Between the remaining options, select the one that precisely matches the historically accurate date for the battle.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full JSSH Staff Nurse - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.