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Menander I Soter (c. 160-130 BC), “Menander the Savior” was ruler over the Indo-Greek Kingdom in mid 2nd century BC. Initially, Menander’s Empire consisted of the eastern portion of Bactria, and over several decades he expanded his territories far into east and south of the Indian subcontinent, conquering a large number of different tribes. He also repelled Greco-Bactrian attacks from the west, thereby consolidating the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Menander is one of the few Bactrian kings mentioned in surviving Greek literature, wherein he is described as even more formidable than Alexander the Great (and that is saying something).
The is also numismatic evidence of Menander’s conquests. Large numbers of his coins have been unearthed, not only over former Indo-Greek territories, but also in far away lands, such as Britain. These caches attest to a flourishing commerce that existed during Menander’s reign.
This particular coin, minted probably between 160 and 145 BC, shows the bust of Menander himself, and the Greek epithet BASILEWS SWTHEROS MENANDROU or “Menander King and Savior.” On the verso is Athena Alkidemos striding left, brandishing a thunderbolt in right hand and holding a shield on her left arm. The epithet here is in Kharosthi (an ancient script used in South Asia, for example to write the Sanskrit language) and translates the same as the obverse. Menander is clearly drawing an analogy between himself and Athena Alkidemos, who was also revered as defender, or alternatively, savior of the people. The depiction mimicked famous statue in Pella (capital of Macedon), and perhaps was a statement about Menander’s resolve to defend his Empire against aggressors.
During his conquests over the Indian subcontinent, Menander became exposed to the teaching of Gautama Buddha, a great sage who lived in eastern India several centuries previously. Menander became an patron, and his conversations with the Buddhist sage Nagasena were recorded in the ancient Buddist text, the “Questions of Milinda (Menander).”
After Menander’s death in 130 BC, his Indo-Greek Kingdom waned over the next century. Although the territories faded, the awareness of Buddhism - also adopted by Menander’s successors - proliferated, as evidenced by statues and coins across the realm. Following in the way of Buddha, Menander’s ashes were divided amongst many of his cities and enshrined in monuments across his realm.
Additional Reading: Questions of King Milinda (Various English translations exist, for example TW Rhys Davids’ of the late 19th century).
Coin Details: BACTRIA, INDO-GREEK, Menander, c. 165/55-130 BC, AR Drachm (2.43 g), Minted 160-145 BC, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Helmeted, draped bust right, BASILEWS SWTHEROS MENANDROU, Reverse: Athena Alkidemos advancing left, holding shield on left arm and brandishing thunderbolt, Karosthi legend MAHARAJA TRATASA MENADRASA, PA monogram in right field, References: Sear Greek 7601; BMC 8; Whitehead 423.