Kalanos

Kalanos (sometimes spelled Calanus, Greek: Καλανός, Sanskrit: कल्याण) was an Indian Gymnosophist (a member of a school of ancient Indian philosophers who pursued asceticism to what they saw as its logical conclusion) who accompanied Alexander the Great during his Indian campaign in the 4th century BCE.

Kalanos, whose Indian name is unknown, initially refused to meet with Alexander. He was eventually convinced to meet with Alexander through the intervention of Taxiles (Ambhi), the ruler of Taxila. Kalanos impressed Alexander with his philosophical views, particularly his disdain for earthly suffering and his belief in a simple, virtuous life.

He accompanied Alexander on his westward journey out of India. When he fell ill in Persia, he chose to die by self-immolation on a pyre, a practice he believed would purify his soul. This dramatic act was witnessed by Alexander and his army, who were deeply impressed by Kalanos' unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

Kalanos’ act of self-immolation, viewed as a rejection of the suffering inherent in life and a path to spiritual liberation, made him a figure of considerable interest in ancient Greek literature and philosophy. His story contributed to the Western image of Indian ascetics as figures possessing profound wisdom and extraordinary self-control. Accounts of his life and death can be found in the writings of Arrian, Plutarch, and Strabo, among others. The historicity of some details of these accounts is debated by modern historians.