This map captures the critical opening maneuver that defined the Battle of the Hydaspes: Alexander’s sweeping flanking movement. This phase demonstrates Alexander’s brilliant use of cavalry mobility to overcome Porus’s strong central position.
The Decisive Flanking Movement
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Alexander’s Main Cavalry Attack: The main cavalry force, including the Companion Cavalry and other cavalry units, executes a wide right hook maneuver, swinging far around the left flank of Porus’s army. The curved blue arrow illustrates this broad, encircling movement.
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Holding the Center: The Macedonian Phalanx and supporting infantry remain largely in their initial positions, moving forward cautiously to fix the attention of the Indian center (elephants and infantry).
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The Residual Cavalry: The Residual Cavalry on Alexander’s right flank is also shown beginning a wide, sweeping movement. This unit will likely reinforce the main cavalry attack, aiming to envelop Porus’s entire left flank.
Porus’s Reaction
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Left Flank: Porus’s Cavalry and Chariots are beginning to engage the small holding force near point ‘A’, but they are now threatened by the massive, unseen sweep of Alexander’s main cavalry.
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Right Flank: Porus’s Right Flank Cavalry and Chariots remain in their position, unaware of the impending threat from the Residual Cavalry swing.
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The Indian Center: The line of Elephants and Infantry holds firm, anticipating a frontal engagement with the Macedonian Phalanx, which is exactly what Alexander intended to avoid.
