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Hydraotes (Ravi)
Unless otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jona Lendering. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes, but you have to acknowledge Livius.
The river Ravi, the ancient Hydraotes. Photo Marco Prins. The river Ravi, the ancient Hydraotes or Iravati, south of modern Kamalia. This part of the Punjab belonged to the Mallians (Malava), a warlike tribe which Alexander the Great had to defeat if he wanted his Indian possessions to be uncontested. In order to terrorize them, he attacked two unguarded cities between the Acesines and Hydraotes, after crossing through a dry country where no one would notice his arrival.
Ancient-Warfare.com, the online home of Ancient Warfare magazine
The river Ravi, the ancient Hydraotes. Photo Marco Prins. At dawn, he attacked the unsuspecting Mallian farmers. Many people fled to the south, and tried to cross the Hydraotes. However, Alexander pursued them and attacked the refugees near a ford in the river. It may have happened over here, because the course of the Ravi has not changed much during the past centuries. After crossing the river, Alexander attacked a large Mallian city, which may or may not be identical to modern Multan.

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