KRIPI (c. 327 BCe)
Kripi was probably the ruler of a small kingdom in the Hindu Kush at the time of Alexander the Great. Alexander had a profound effect on Indian culture and politics when he invaded India, though he was not able to consolidate his victory. One of the most enduring results of his expedition was the inclusion of India in the ambit of places written about and commented on by ancient Greek scholars and historians. Thus we have independent corroboration of many facts and fables on India of the time. In 327 BCE Alexander is said to have killed a king of the Swat-Buner region, which lies near the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This king is named by early European chroniclers as Assekenos, probably of the tribe of Ashwaka or Ashamaka. The king occupied the fortress of Massaga, north of the pass of Malakand. The Greek historian Curtius recounts how after his death, Kleophis or Kripi, wife or mother of the dead king, put up a brave resistance to the Greek troops, but was eventually obliged to surrender. Contemporary historians marvelled at her valour.
|
|