The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c28.27

c28.27

The next foes encountered by the Yüe-chi were the Śakas, or Se, who doubtless included more than one horde; for, as Herodotus observes, the Persians were accustomed to use the term Sakai to denote all Scythian nomads.² The Śakas, who dwelt to the west of the Wu-sun, and to the north of the Jaxartes (Syr Daryā) also attempted to defend their lands; but met with even worse success than the Wu-sun, being compelled to vacate their pasture-grounds in favour of the victorious Yüe-chi, who occupied them. The Śakas were forced to migrate in search of new quarters, and, ultimately, as stated in the last preceding chapter, made their way into India through the northern passes.³