The Invasion of India by Alexander the Great as described by Arrian, Q. Curtius, Diodoros, Plutarch and Justin: Being Translations of such portions of the Works of these and other Classical Authors as describe Alexander's Campaigns in Afghanistan, the Panjâb, Sindh, Gedrosia and Karmania

by John Watson McCrindle

[350] See [Notes Cc] and [Dd].

[351] The Indian barber (nâpit) belonged to the Sudra or servile caste. Besides the duties proper to his calling, he has other avocations, his services being often required for the performance of certain domestic ceremonies such as those connected with marriage, etc.

[352] “Kallisthenes adds (after the exaggerating style of tragedy) that when Apollo had deserted the oracle among the Branchidai, on the temple being plundered by the Branchidai (who espoused the party of the Persians in the time of Xerxes), and the spring had failed, it then reappeared on the arrival of Alexander; that the ambassadors also of the Milesians carried back to Memphis numerous answers of the oracle respecting the descent of Alexander from Jupiter, and the future victory which he should obtain at Arbela, the death of Darius, and the political changes at Lacedaemon” (Strabo, XVII. i. 43). See also Introd. p. 28.

[353] Properly the Gangaridai.

[354] Diodôros should have said the Hydaspês.

[355] See Note on Curtius, [p. 231].

[356] See [Note Ee], The Sibi.

[357] See [Note Ff], The Agalassians.

[358] See Curtius, ix. 4.

[359] This happened at the junction of the Akesinês with the Hydaspês and not with the Indus, as here represented. For the contest of Achilles with the Simoeis and Skamander, see the twenty-first book of the Iliad.