India
Summary
The eastern boundary of the Persian Empire under Ahasuerus, representing the farthest extent of ancient Near Eastern dominion.
☩Biblical References
India is mentioned only in the book of Esther, which describes King Ahasuerus as reigning from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces. This reference identifies the northwestern portion of the Indian subcontinent, the region around the Indus River valley. The name derives from the river Indus (Sanskrit Sindhu), which the Persians called Hindu.
☩Persian Conquest
The region came under Persian control through Darius I, who conquered the Indus valley around 512 BC. It formed the twentieth satrapy of the Persian Empire, providing tribute in gold dust. Indian troops served in Xerxes' army during his invasion of Greece. The designation marks the eastern extremity of the known world from the biblical writers' perspective.
☩Trade Connections
Though not explicitly named elsewhere in Scripture, India was the source of many luxury goods mentioned in the Bible. Spices, precious stones, ivory, apes, and peacocks likely originated from or passed through Indian trade networks. Solomon's trading ventures to Ophir may have included goods that ultimately came from India.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "India," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "India," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).