Porus awaits the Attack of Alexander, July 326 BC (litho)

Porus awaits the Attack of Alexander, July 326 BC. When Alexander invaded the Panjab, he was vigorously resisted by a skilful commander known to European history as Porus. He had a powerful army, and was held in great respect by Alexander. But by movements conducted with extraordinary skill, Alexander manoeuvred him into a position between the Hydaspes (Jhelum) and some low hills in which his force became immobile - long lines of elephants and infantry in the centre, chariots and cavalry on each flank. Alexander attacked the flanks with cavalry, throwing the whole force into confusion, and the elephants became unmanageable. The appearance of the Indian force to the Greeks was that of a walled city, with the elephants as the turrets. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.