6_Glorious_Epochs_of_Indian_History

14 SIX GLORIOUS EPOCHS OF INDIAN HISTORY
themselves have given some interesting tales about such
occasions. I would like to cite a tale or two from among
those in the words of the Greek writers themselves, so as to
throw some light on the thoughts and feelings of the Greeks
and their leader, Alexander.
29. "This philosopher (Kalanos), we are told, showed
Alexander a symbol of his empire. He threw down on the
ground a dry and shrivelled hide and planted his foot on the
edge of it. But when it was trodden down in one place, it
started up everywhere else. He then walked all round it
and showed that the same thing took place wherever he trod,
until at length he stepped into the middle and by doing so
made it all lie flat. This symbol was intended to show
Alexander that he should control his empire from its centre
and not wander away to its distant extremities"*^.
THE CANON OF DANDAMIS
30. Alexander keenly felt that he should send for and
have a personal talk with one Brahmin, of whom he had
heard so much in Taxila (Takshasheela). The Greeks called
this Brahmin 'Dandamis'*" but I have not so far succeeded
in tracing down his original Sanskrit name. The Brahmin, bent
with age and knowledge, was free from all worldly ties and
wandered naked everywhere. He did not pay any heed to
Alexander's messages. Thereupon Alexander sent his own offi­
cer 'Onesikretos' to this selfless recluse who told him, "Alex­
ander, the very son of God Zeus (Sansk: Dyus) and a world-
conqueror has summoned you to his court. If you still fail
to come, you will be beheaded instantaneously." The Brahmin
began to laugh vociferously at this threat and replied, "If
Alexander is the son of Zeus; in the same manner and for
the same reason I am also the son of that very Zeus (Dyus).
As to his boast of being a world-conqueror, it is absolutely
vain! He has not as yet seen the other bank of the river Vyas.
If he successfully faces the brave Indian states beyond and,
yonder still, the powerful empire of Magadha, and still