FOREIGN INVESION IN A DIVIDED INDIA

It was the awakening of the masses that made people realize the falsehood of differences that existed amongst themselves. "India" never existed as such even in the beginning of the 19^th century. Politically, India was a complex jigsaw of small and big provinces which existed with independent identities and their own style of functioning. This fragmented pieces of land attracted the attention of foreign invaders who were always ready to pounce on even slightly weak countries. To top it all, the states didn’t share good relationships with each other. Even for trivial reasons, they used to back-stab each other. Divided in thousands of regions, the ability to withstand and strike back at the slightest of attacks was zero. Alexander and his prowess to acquire new lands was phenomenal. The very way in which he attacked gave rise to tales of valor and destruction.

Bubbling with an ambition to conquer and rule over the world he turned towards India with lightning speed. First and foremost he smothered most of the European countries. After establishing a unified front, he crushed Egypt and Iran with immaculate power. By now his ambitions had turned into unbreakable confidence. He at once attacked India; instantly amassing more than 37 republics and provinces. The ease with which he defeated the so- called ‘major powers’ of the region showed their decay and weakening. The irony of the fate is, neighbors were instrumental in bringing down each other; showing lack of unity and internal squabbles. The neglect of economic factors was another reason behind the easy annexation of vast territories without much of a struggle.

The country remembers those very few kings who fought valiantly in a bid to become free of the slavery at the hands of Alexander. The provinces which fought against all odds were Shivi, Amashtak, Shudrak, and many provinces of the Sindh region. Despite the fact that there was factionalism and weak political and economic structure, Alexander had to toil for more than 19 months before taking complete control over the region. It was only because of our fragmented polity that the vast stretch of land from Kabul to Godavari was annexed. As ‘every cloud has a silver lining’, Alexander’s attack, wherever it took place; people and rulers felt united and part of a country. After the ravages of the war, the provinces realized their folly and decided to form a common front under the leadership of Chanakya. Chanakya’s role as the unifier of the country and a great statesman began amidst uncertain circumstances and a period of gloom. Chanakya’s character and forethought played a pivotal role in the unification of the country and establishment of the Mauryan Empire.