1. Battle of Jhelum (Hydaspes)
Spring, 326 B.C.

2. Context
Alexander, having conquered the Persian Empire, now looked to India for further conquest.
India consisted of several states with individual rulers.
Porus ruled the region to the north-east of the Indus River

3. Situation
Porus was camped on the eastern side of the Jhelum (Hydaspes) River.
The river was swollen from melting snow and was too deep to cross on horseback
Porus also had 200 elephants, which would frighten the horses trying to cross.

4. Solution Alexander sent many feint crossings
Porus stopped responding to Alexander’s feints
Alex
Porus

5. Crossing the river
Alexander crosses but arrives on the island, thinking it is the other side
Alexander’s men eventually cross on a luckily found ford, in water up to their necks.
Alex
Porus didn’t believe that this crossing was the main one.
Alex
Porus
Craterus
Alexander leaves Craterus with a large force and takes a detachment north to a ford where an island obscures his crossing from Porus
Porus thought that Alexander would be with Craterus’ force

6. Across the River Porus sent his son to deal with the ‘small crossing’.
Porus’ son died and the counter-attack failed
Porus’ Son
Alex
Porus then attacked with the whole army
Porus

7. Course of the Battle Coenus
As the infantry advanced, the elephants tore through their ranks.
Infantry
Alexander sent Coenus to pass on the enemy right to attack the cavalry from the rear
Alexander ordered his infantry to advance
Alexander sent his Cavalry in on the enemy left, wanting Porus to move his cavalry to that flank
Archers
Archers
Cavalry
As Coenus rode behind the Indian lines, the infantry retreated behind the elephants.
Porus responded as desired and moved his right flank cavalry to the left
Elephants
Chariots
Chariots
Cavalry
Infantry
Cavalry

8. End Phase
The Indian cavalry are encircled by the Macedon cavalry. In the confusion the elephants cause massive casualties in the Indian ranks, the Indian cavalry is all but destroyed
The cavalry then focus on the infantry
Some of the Indians see a chance to escape, but Craterus comes over the river with his force and eliminates the deserters.
Cavalry
Porus remained with his army until he was wounded, he retired on his elephant, and then surrendered
Cavalry
Infantry
Craterus
Cavalry
Infantry
Deserters
Coenus
Elephants

9. Post-Battle
When Alexander and Porus meet, Alexander asks Porus how he wished to be treated. Porus replies ‘Like a king’
Alexander grants his request and maintains him as ruler of his lands.
This battle showed how Alexander could adapt his plans, deal with unforeseen circumstances and outthink his opponent.

10. Sources
NCEA Level 3 Classical Studies Study Guide. Pages 294-5