भारतीय इतिहास के ६ स्वर्णिम पृष्ठ (वीर सावरकर - विदेशी आक्रान्ताओं पर विजय गाथा)

Alexander, who had conquered so many kingdoms, it was this naked, old Brahmin ascetic of India.” Brahmins hanged for Political Conspiracy 32. In his survey, Alexander came to know that although these world- forsakers, ascetics, recluses and others were wandering all alone, their opinions exerted a powerful influence because of their disinterestedness, fearlessness and their disregard for any consequences whatsoever, upon the governments of Indian republics and also on the monarchies. The tongues of these free and fearless Brahmin ascetics, had sharp edges like the swords of the Indian Kshatriyas and they protested against the unjust Greek aggression very sharply and spread, openly or secretly, great discontent against Alexander amongst the Indian populace. Naturally, his first adoration of these ‘Gymnosophists’ suddenly gave place to his intense hatred against the Brahmin hermits. Thereupon, he began to seize some such Brahmins and hang them. Before beheading one such Brahmin, when Alexander asked him why he instigated a certain Indian ruler against the Greeks, he fearlessly and firmly replied that it was his most sacred tenet and that, if he were to live, he ought to live honourably, else he should die honourably.” (Plutarch LXIV). 33. After defeating King Porus, Alexander thought his dazzling victory should unnerve the neighbouring states and force them to submit meekly, but his hopes in this respect mostly belied him. As he crossed the Vitasta (Jhelum) and marched onward, the various republics, big or small, on his way began to offer sanguinary battles. Without a decision at the battlefield, they would never accept his overlordship meekly. Although the superior number and might of the Greeks went on overpowering the Indians, the consequent strain of incessant fighting did not fail to make itself felt on the Greeks. 34. Greek writers have described many such battles with various Indian republics, but this is no occasion to mention them, either at some length or briefly. However, some of the chosen incidents have got to be given here at some length, at least as a mark of respect to those brave Indian republics who, though not jointly yet severally, offered the toughest of resistance to that mighty Greek army of a hundred thousand gallant soldiers and their brave, world-famous, captain-general Alexander, who had vowed pompously to trample over the whole of India and conquer the Crown of