Warfare, Diplomacy and Elephants: A Reinterpretation of the Battle of the Hydaspes and its Consequences

This thesis will examine the Battle of the Hydaspes, Alexander the Great’s last battle with the
intention of challenging both ancient sources and modern scholarship for their predominantly one
sided portrayals of the battle. The battle is almost exclusively viewed as a Macedonian triumph,
although Indian nationalists are adamant that Porus defeated Alexander. My analysis will dispute
several key aspects of the battle to present the reader with an alternate viewing of the conflict and
its consequences. Ultimately, I seek to prove that both Porus and Alexander can be perceived as
victors by the end of the battle, in stark contrast to the views advocated by Indian and western
historians who favour the former and latter, respectively. To achieve this, I will revisit necessary
textual and numismatic evidence to explain why both belligerents could claim victory at the end of
the battle. Alexander’s victory was assured through textual and numismatic evidence, while Porus
gained a larger kingdom, having lost no land at the Hydaspes.