Musica'nus
the ruler of a kingdom on the banks of the Indus, the capital of which was probably near Bukkur. On the sudden approach of
Alexander (B. C. 325) Musicanus, who had hitherto sent no tokens of submission to
Alexander, being dismayed by his sudden appearance, hastened to meet him with humble acknowledgements of his fault and rich presents.
He was graciously received by
Alexander, who allowed him to retain his kingdom, with the fertility and opulence of which he was greatly struck.
But when
Alexander marched westwards to attack Porticanus Musicanus was induced by the Brahmins to revolt.
Alexander sent a force against him under Python, who overran the country, captured the towns, which he either destroyed or garrisoned, and took Musicanus prisoner, together with his principal Brahmins.
Alexander ordered them to be crucified.
It has been conjectured that the name Musicanus means the khan or rajah of Moosh; but Thirlwall (
History of Greece, vol. vii. p. 48) doubts whether the title khan was in use in the time of
Alexander on the lower Indus. Curtius gives the name Musicani to the people. (Arrian, 6.15-17;
Curt. 9.8.)
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C.P.M]
