There have been
serious discussions on Facebook and other media about the new Porus
TV serial presenting history from the Indian point of view. This is a far cry
from our Western view of Alexander’s
campaign in that part of the world and most probably will come as a shock to us.
Besides, a TV series of 260 episodes is far beyond our pace and concept of
things.
But then, it may
be worth watching at least some of these episodes which are set in grand
Bollywood style as after all they may not be too far away from what Alexander found when he arrived in India and met Porus
and the other opulent rulers in India
It is obvious that the Indian producers are not following Greek historians literally but the main storyline of Alexander winning the Battle of the Hydaspes over Porus is respected. Also, Philip and Olympias are easily recognizable and the Macedonian part – as opposed to India's flamboyant colors and opulent glitter - is tuned down to single-colored clothes and set in classical decors. The actor playing the role of Alexander has been chosen with light eyes and his hair has been discolored to match the picture we generally have of the Macedonian King (although his body language is not).
Little of Porus’
exploits have been recorded in Indian history, meaning that there is little information to go by. As a result, the Indian film producers let their imagination flow freely and
did not shy away from creating a pretty extravagant setting in which they feel
very comfortable, no doubt. The Alexander
part, on the other hand, follows a pretty faithful storyline.
So let’s brush
aside our prejudices and look at history from a different angle altogether.
This is the first episode:
