Which of the following pass was used by Alexander of Macedonia to enter into India, in 4th century BC?

The correct answer is Khyber Pass.

Key Points

• The Khyber Pass is a historically significant mountain pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan and has been used as a key trade and invasion route.
• Alexander the Great entered India through the Khyber Pass during his campaign in the Indian subcontinent in 326 BCE.
• The pass is located in the Hindu Kush mountain range and has been a strategic route for centuries, linking Central Asia and South Asia.
• It served as a gateway for several other invaders, including the Mughals and Persians, into the Indian subcontinent.
• The Khyber Pass has played a crucial role in the cultural and economic exchanges between civilizations over millennia.

Additional Information

• Alexander's Campaign in India:
  • Alexander defeated King Porus in the Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE), marking a significant event during his Indian campaign.
  • His expedition extended the influence of Greek culture in the region, leading to the Hellenistic period in parts of India.
• Geographical Importance of Khyber Pass:
  • The pass lies at an elevation of approximately 1,070 meters (3,510 feet) and spans about 53 kilometers.
  • It has historically connected the city of Peshawar in Pakistan with Jalalabad in Afghanistan.
• Hindu Kush Mountain Range:
  • The Hindu Kush is a major mountain range in Central Asia, stretching across Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.
  • It has served as a natural barrier and a route for trade and military expeditions for centuries.
• Historical Significance of the Khyber Pass:
  • Besides Alexander, invaders such as Mahmud of Ghazni and the Mughals utilized the pass to enter India.
  • It remains a critical geopolitical route in modern times, influencing trade and security dynamics in the region.