How much Alexander knows of India beyond the Hyphasis (probably the modern Beas) is uncertain; there is no conclusive proof that he has heard of the Ganges River.
Alexander now faces the powerful empire of Magadha ruled by the Nanda dynasty, but he is anxious to press on farther However, his army, fearing the prospects of facing another powerful Indian army and exhausted by years of campaigning, mutinies at the Hyphasis River (the modern Beas River).
Refusing to go farther in the tropical rain, the army is weary in body and spirit, and Coenus, one of Alexander's four chief marshals, acts as their spokesman.
On finding the army adamant, Alexander agrees to turn back, making this river mark the easternmost extent of his conquests.
A short time afterwards, when the Macedonian army had actually commenced its return, Coenus dies of an illness, and is honored by the king with a splendid burial.
Alexander laments his death, but is reported to have said that Coenus had urged the necessity of returning so strongly, it was as if he alone had been destined to see his native country again.
On the Hyphasis, Alexander erects twelve altars to the twelve Olympian gods.
