Persian Invasion of India

The Persian Invasion of India occurred in the early 6th century BCE when the Achaemenid Empire, under King Darius I, expanded into northwest India, reaching regions like Punjab. Driven by ambitions to control trade routes and expand their empire, the Persians subdued local kingdoms and established administrative control over parts of northwestern India. This invasion facilitated cultural exchanges, introducing Persian administration, art, and ideas, and left lasting influences on Indian history. It marked the first large-scale interaction between Persia and India, showcasing the reach of the Persian Empire into South Asia.