Objective: Hellenistic India

[Frodo]

Can anyone think of any (semi-)realistic way that India (or at least northern India) could be Hellenized?  Think of a scenario that does not directly involve Alexander the Great.  So that rules him out conquering northern India. 

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Well, part of it was, wasn't it?

[Frodo]

Well, part of it was, wasn't it?

Yes, but I have something more ambitious and extensive in mind:



Now if we can have a Hellenistic state approximating the OTL Gupta Empire's boundaries within the Indian sub-continent, that would be golden.  

[Lumine]

Hmmmm... Would a stronger Indo-Greek Kingdom qualify? They were quite successful in expanding into India and mixing both cultures until their territories became dispersed thanks to civil war.

After a bit of research I think King Menander I Soter seems like a good candidate to consolidate the Hellenistic states in India and achieve a greater expansion as long as you have him dying much later and with a strong and consolidated succession to avoid civil war. If civil war (save for a few revolts) can be avoided and with a reasonably competent dynastic in place you could see the Kingdom become the dominant force. Unlike Bactria they probably won't have to contend with the Scythians and the Yuezhi, and I don't see the Parthians invading.

[Frodo]

A stronger, more expansive Indo-Greek kingdom certainly works.  So would a Seleucid Empire under Antiochus III conquering northern India -and staying there long enough for Hellenism to take root and flourish there.