Milinda

(South and Central Asian mythology)

The Milindapanha (Questions of Milinda), records the conversion of Menander to Buddhism. This Greek general invaded the north of India from the Greco-Bactrian kingdom of Gandhara about 190 BC and set up a separate kingdom. Coins with bilingual inscriptions were struck: they used Greek and Indian languages, combining visual motifs from both cultural traditions.

Menander, as Milinda, acquired legendary stature for Buddhists. His ashes were entombed in a stupa and his name was connected with the origin of the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which Menander's teacher Nagasena made out of a magic emerald by supernatural power.