An ancient reference to Menander’s Invasion
By Unexhibited
Summary
Investigating a brief passage in an ancient text, this note argues that it refers to the Indo‑Greek king Menander’s incursion into India. By analysing the language and context of the passage, the author concludes that it predates the well‑known Milindapanha and thus provides independent testimony to Menander’s invasion. The note situates this evidence within the broader body of literary, numismatic and epigraphic sources on Indo‑Greek history and underscores the value of scrutinising indigenous texts for corroborating information on foreign rulers.
Conclusion
The identification of an early textual reference to Menander enriches the historical narrative of Indo‑Greek interactions with India. While tentative, the evidence invites further examination of native sources to corroborate events otherwise known mainly from Greco‑Roman accounts.