Greco-Buddhism
Greco-Buddhism, refers to the cultural relationship between Hellenistic culture and Buddhism. It developed between the 4th century BCE and the 5th century CE. This still goes on in modern Afghanistan, Pakistan and north-western border regions of modern India. This was the cultural result of a long chain of interactions begun by Greek in India from the time of Alexander the Great. It was carried further by the establishment of Indo-Greek rule in the area for some centuries, and extended during flourishing of the Hellenized empire of the Kushans. Greco-Buddhism influenced the artistic, and spiritual development of Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, which represents one of the two main branches of Buddhism The Buddhist religious system was then adopted in Central and Northeastern Asia, from the 1st century CE, ultimately spreading to China, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Siberia, and Vietnam. (HellinciaWorld.com)
The interaction between Hellenistic Greece and Buddhism started when Alexander the Great conquered the Achaemenid Empire and grew regions of Central Asia in 334 BCE, crossing the Indus river, which established direct contact with India. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Alexander founded several cities in his new territories in the areas of the Oxus and Bactria, and Greek settlements grew larger to the Khyber all the way to the Punjab. These regions were in a unique geographical passageway between the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains through which most of the interaction between India and Central Asia took place, generating intense cultural exchange and trade. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Following Alexander's death on June 10, 323 BCE, the Diadochoi (successors) founded their own kingdoms in Asia Minor and Central Asia. General Seleucus set up the Seleucid Kingdom, which went as far as India. Later, the Eastern part of the Seleucid Kingdom broke away to form the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (3rd–2nd century BCE), followed by the Indo-Greek Kingdom (2nd–1st century BCE), and later the Kushan Empire (1st–3rd century CE). (HellinciaWorld.com)
The interaction between Hellenistic Greece and Buddhism started when Alexander the Great conquered the Achaemenid Empire and grew regions of Central Asia in 334 BCE, crossing the Indus river, which established direct contact with India. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Alexander founded several cities in his new territories in the areas of the Oxus and Bactria, and Greek settlements grew larger to the Khyber all the way to the Punjab. These regions were in a unique geographical passageway between the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains through which most of the interaction between India and Central Asia took place, generating intense cultural exchange and trade. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Following Alexander's death on June 10, 323 BCE, the Diadochoi (successors) founded their own kingdoms in Asia Minor and Central Asia. General Seleucus set up the Seleucid Kingdom, which went as far as India. Later, the Eastern part of the Seleucid Kingdom broke away to form the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (3rd–2nd century BCE), followed by the Indo-Greek Kingdom (2nd–1st century BCE), and later the Kushan Empire (1st–3rd century CE). (HellinciaWorld.com)
Various Effects
The routes used by Alexander became trade routes between India and the West. He opened a sea route to the West. Alexander brought with him several historians and scientists. These people recorded lot of details about the Indian society. The Gandhara School of art is influenced by the Greek art. Alexander tried to get the scattered principalities under one unit. (Jona Lendering)
He had divided the country into governments on the Persian model and he left the settlement of colonies of his followers at strategic points. It left the warrior tribes of the Indus river system weakened thereby paved the way for easy extension of Mauryan rule. It demonstrated the need for a wiser political policy on behalf of Indian rulers. (Jona Lendering)
He had divided the country into governments on the Persian model and he left the settlement of colonies of his followers at strategic points. It left the warrior tribes of the Indus river system weakened thereby paved the way for easy extension of Mauryan rule. It demonstrated the need for a wiser political policy on behalf of Indian rulers. (Jona Lendering)
Political Effects
Alexander helped in the work of Chandragupta Maurya, Alexander`s invasion gave the lesson that small kingdom could not face the attacks of the foreigners. He also helped set up a government is the northwest. Due to the establishment of Greeks in the northwest, his government system started in the field of administration. They governments in the northwest now are still based of the democracy government Alexander set up then. To commemorate his victories Alexander founded several cities, which still remain there today. (Jona Lendering)