The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c15.12

c15.12

¹ *History of Greece*, vol. xii, 51, note, ed. 1869. Mr. Pearson, however, basing his opinion on his personal knowledge of the rivers at all times of the year, and under all conditions, holds that 'the real date for the passage of the Hydaspes was, as stated by Arrian, the month of Mounychion in the archonship of Hēgemōn, and that Mounychion in that year occurred as early as April rather than as late as June. It was a matter of prime importance to cross the river before it was in high flood, and no sufficient explanation is given of the supposed delay' (*Ind. Ant.*, 1905, p. 257). Mr. Pearson, consequently, is obliged to disbelieve the positive statements of our authorities about the weather. The simple 'explanation of the supposed delay' is that Alexander was unable to 'steal a passage' earlier, and was obliged to make the best of unfavourable conditions, imposed on him through the delay caused by the vigilance of Pōros.