During Alexander the Great’s invasion of India, which Indian king famously opposed him in the Battle of the Hydaspes?

Introduction / Context:
Alexander the Great's march into northwestern India is a well-known episode in both Indian and world history. While some local rulers submitted or allied with him, one king has become legendary for his brave resistance at the Battle of the Hydaspes (Jhelum). Remembering which king fought this battle against Alexander is a staple question in competitive exams because it highlights the contrast between collaboration and resistance among Indian rulers of the time.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The event in focus is Alexander's invasion of India around 326 BCE.
• The specific battle is the Battle of the Hydaspes, fought on the banks of the Jhelum River.
• The options are Ambhi, Porus, Dhanananda and Chandragupta Maurya.
• We assume the learner knows that Ambhi allied with Alexander and that Porus ruled a kingdom in the Punjab region.

Concept / Approach:
Porus (Puru), an Indian king whose territory lay between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, chose to resist Alexander. The famous Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander's forces and those of Porus, who used war elephants and fought bravely despite the odds. Ambhi of Taxila, on the other hand, welcomed and allied with Alexander. Dhanananda and Chandragupta Maurya were rulers of Magadha in eastern India and did not personally engage Alexander in a recorded battle. Therefore, Porus is the correct answer to this question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Place the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BCE on the banks of the river Jhelum (Hydaspes in Greek). Step 2: Recall that Porus ruled the region between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in the Punjab. Step 3: Recognise that Greek accounts describe a fierce battle where Porus used war elephants and showed great personal courage. Step 4: Contrast this with Ambhi of Taxila, who surrendered and allied with Alexander without a battle. Step 5: Note that Dhanananda and Chandragupta Maurya were far to the east in Magadha and are not recorded as having fought Alexander directly. Step 6: Conclude that Porus was the king who opposed Alexander at the Battle of the Hydaspes.

Verification / Alternative check:
Greek historians like Arrian and Plutarch describe how Alexander was impressed by Porus's bravery and reportedly restored him to his kingdom after the battle, even granting additional territory. Indian history textbooks summarise this story and emphasise the contrasting roles of Porus (resistance) and Ambhi (alliance). No such battle between Alexander and Dhanananda or Chandragupta Maurya is described in reliable sources, confirming Porus as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ambhi: The ruler of Taxila who allied with Alexander and did not fight him in a major battle.
• Dhanananda: A Nanda king of Magadha, known as a powerful ruler but not as Alexander's direct opponent in battle.
• Chandragupta Maurya: Later overthrew the Nanda dynasty and founded the Mauryan Empire after Alexander's time; he did not fight Alexander at the Hydaspes.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mix up Ambhi and Porus because both are associated with Alexander's campaigns. The key distinction is that Ambhi submitted to Alexander, while Porus fought him. Another pitfall is assuming that famous names like Chandragupta must have opposed Alexander, even though their major achievements belong to the period after Alexander left India. To answer correctly, always connect the Battle of the Hydaspes with Porus.

Final Answer:
The Indian king who opposed Alexander at the Battle of the Hydaspes was Porus.