Indica (Arrian)

Indica by Arrian of Nicomedia is a text written in Ionic Greek around the 2nd century CE (circa 150 CE). It is a historical and geographical description of India, based primarily on the earlier account of Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador who resided at the court of Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE. While the original work of Megasthenes is largely lost, Arrian's Indica preserves many fragments and summaries of his observations.

The book is divided into distinct sections, dealing with various aspects of Indian life and geography. Arrian covers topics such as the physical features of India, including its rivers (particularly the Indus and Ganges), mountains, and animal life. He describes the social structure of Indian society, outlining the different castes and their respective roles. The text also delves into the religious beliefs and philosophical practices of the Indian people, commenting on their asceticism and their reverence for certain animals.

Arrian, being a Roman administrator and historian, approaches the subject matter with a critical eye, often comparing Indian customs and institutions with those of the Greeks. He attempts to reconcile the accounts of Megasthenes with other existing knowledge about India, occasionally questioning their accuracy or providing alternative interpretations. While not a completely unbiased source, Indica remains a valuable historical document, offering insights into the perception of India by the Greco-Roman world and preserving significant fragments of Megasthenes' lost work. The reliability of Arrian's interpretation of Megasthenes and the veracity of Megasthenes' original claims are subject to ongoing scholarly debate.