The Mauryan-Seleucid Treaty: Dawn of an Indo-Greek Exchange

The Mauryan-Seleucid treaty of c. 303 BCE pronounced one of the earliest diplomatic engagements between Indian and the Greek civilisation, synthesising a cultural genesis that shaped Indo-Greek exchanges for centuries to come.

Illustration by The Geostrata

Following a series of territorial disputes, the strategic alliance shaped a fluid exchange of trade and ideas ranging from merchandise, arts, sciences to philosophy between the two empires. Driven by territorial disputes, economic rivalries, and geopolitical aspirations, the Seleucus-Mauryan war of c. 303 BCE witnessed some major battles and military campaigns, thus shaping the ancient Asian political landscape.

The treaty fostered a series of cultural exchanges between empires. The convergence of Hellenistic ideas in Mauryan India resulted in a rich amalgamation of Greek and Indian art, architecture, and philosophy.

This cultural fusion had a lasting imprint on the subsequent development of Indian civilization. As evident in the Gandhara art that emerged, which is a brilliant syncretism of Greek artistic techniques with Buddhist themes, preserved in the sculptures and architectural forms, that stands unique to the period. 

As a result of the pact, a great amount of intellectual exchange was observed between the empires. Scholars and diplomats from the Hellenistic world, including Megasthenes, the author of Indica, documented Indian culture through their lens, which in the later years greatly contributed to the early western understanding of Indian society, culture, and philosophy.

This article examines how the treaty was monumental in forging a lasting cross-cultural interaction, influencing regional economies, religious practices, and knowledge exchange, thereby setting the stage for centuries of Indo-Greek relations significantly shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The conflict between Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan Empire, and Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals and the ruler of the Seleucid Empire, was rooted in overlapping territorial ambitions in the Indus Valley regions and northwestern India. Following Alexander's death in 323 BCE, his vast empire fragmented, and General Seleucus inherited the eastern territories, seeking control over Alexander’s conquests in Asia. 

However, Chandragupta, who aspired for a unified northern India under his rule, was focused on consolidating control over the same, thus setting the stage for confrontation.

By circa 305, Seleucus marched with his army across the Indus and clashed with the forces of Chandragupta. Bringing an end to the two prolonged years of war, a peace treaty was negotiated between the empires that marked a monumental shift in the relations between the two empires. 

The treaty consisted of three significant clauses : the first being marriage alliances between the Seleucid and Mauryan dynasties. The second was the transfer of Seleucus’ easternmost territories like Gandhara and Arachosia to Chandraupta.

Lastly, as a diplomatic token, Chandragupta gifted 500 Indian elephants that were trained for use in battle. The terms of the agreement signals a dominant position of Chandragupta indicating his emergence as the stronger party by the end of the conflict.

THE FLOW OF HELLENISTIC ART INTO INDIA

In the Mauryan period, Hellenistic elements in art and architecture are significantly visible and have been adapted to suit Indian aesthetic, belief systems, and socio-religious ideals. The influence of Hellenistic art in India was so profound that it manifested itself into the emergence of a new artistic tradition, what we know as the Gandhara School of Art.

Most of the works of art of the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara are attributed to the direct successors of the Indo-Greeks in ancient India in the 1st century AD, such as the nomadic Indo-Scythians, the Indo-Parthians and, in an already decadent state, the Kushans. 

Be it the stone pillar capital from Pataliputra, the Sarnath Lion Capital or the terracotta figurines of Bulandibagh, traces of Greek architectural inspiration are evident. The transfer and preservation of artistic elements from the Hellenistic world to the Mauryan empire were moved by the currents of convention and symbolism.

TRADE NETWORK AND ECONOMIC EXCHANGES

The war resulted in significant territorial changes, the Mauryans continued to solidify their control over northwestern India and expanded their influence in the region. Meanwhile, the Seleucid empire shifted its focus towards the western reaches of its realm, avoiding further contingency of conflicts with the Mauryans.

Over the period of time, trade customs developed and became standardised, easing the communication process for merchants across empires. 

The Mauryan Empire’s coinage evolved in this period, we see the incorporation of punch-marked silver coins that were not only accepted across the empire but were also recognised by foreign traders. 

The Indian coinage was greatly influenced by the coinage of the Indo-Greeks. This development was a reflection of the influence of Greek coinage, which was famous for its high-quality metal use and engraved imagery.

By adopting a more standardised form of currency, both the empires were able to ensure greater efficiency in trade, reduce the need for barter, and support long-distance commerce that connected markets from Greece to India.

CROSS-CULTURAL INFLUENCE IN RELIGION AND LITERATURE

The birth of Buddhism in India was a turning point in the world of art and culture, philosophy and religion. The Indo-Greek kings combined the Greek and Indian languages and symbols, as seen on their coins, and blended ancient Greek, Hindu and Buddhist religious practices, preserved in the archaeological remains of the cities like Taxila, Patliputra and Bactra (Balkh). 

The blending of Greek artistic techniques with the Indian Buddhist art inspired Indians to depict Buddha in human form. This unprecedented degree of cultural syncretism has no equivalent in history, the consequences of which are still felt today, particularly through the diffusion and influence of Greco-Buddhist art. 

In the Gandharan art, Buddha is often shown under the protection of the Greek god of strength and heroes, Heracles, standing with his club resting over his arm. This unusual representation of Heracles is the same as the one on the back of Demetrius' (Demetrius I of Bactria) coins, and it is exclusively associated with him (and his son Euthydemus II), seen only on the back of his coins.

Illustration by The Geostrata

Subsequently, the figure of the Buddha was incorporated within Greek architectural designs, such as Corinthian pillars and friezes. Scenes of the life of the Buddha are typically depicted in a Greek architectural environment, with the protagonist wearing Greek clothes.

CONCLUSION 

The peace treaty affirmed the sovereignty and legitimacy of the empires which helped them solidify the stability of their respective states and provide a concrete basis for future diplomatic engagements.

The era witnessed the exchange of Greek scientific knowledge, medicine, and philosophy into Indian culture, meanwhile Indian goods, philosophies, and religious practices reached new audiences in the Hellenistic world.

This merging of cultures continued well beyond the Hellenistic period, leading to significant advancements in the spheres of art, architecture, language, religion, and science; leaving a legacy of cultural exchange that continued to influence subsequent civilisations.

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BY DEEPIKA GUPTA

CENTRE FOR HISTORY AND CULTURE TEAM GEOSTRATA

info@thegeostrata.com