Alexander builds a harbor and docks on…

Alexander builds a harbor and docks on reaching Patala, located at the head of the Indus delta and explores both arms of the Indus, which probably at this time run into the Rann of Kutch.

He plans to lead part of his forces back by land, while the rest in perhaps one hundred to one hundred and fifty ships under the command of Nearchus make a voyage of exploration along the Persian Gulf.

Local opposition leads Nearchus to set sail in September 325, and he is held up for three weeks until he can pick up the northeast monsoon in late October.

The first known reference to sugar cane appears in writings by Nearchus, who writes of Indian reeds "that produce honey, although there are no bees".

Alexander too had set out in September along the coast through Gedrosia (modern Baluchistan), but …