Menander II

Menander II Dikaios (Greek: Μένανδρος Β΄ ὁ Δίκαιος; epithet means "the Just") may have been an Indo-Greek King who ruled in the areas of Arachosia and Gandhara in the north of modern Pakistan.

In that case, Menander II ruled remaining Indo-Greek territories in Gandhara after the invasion of Maues.

R. C. Senior links Menander II with the Indo-Greek king Amyntas, with whom he shares several monograms and also facial features such as a pointed nose and receding chin.

He also suggests a close relation to the semi-Scythian king Artemidorus, son of Maues, since their coins use similar types and are often found together.

His bronzes feature Athena standing, with spear and palm-branch, shield at her feet, making a benediction gesture with the right hand, similar to the Buddhist vitarka mudra.

Silver Drachm of Menander II (18mm, 2.22 g, 12h). Obv. Diademed king, wearing aegis , brandishing a spear. Greek legend "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ" (King Menander the Just"). Rev. Zeus enthroned, holding Nike and scepter; Nike handing a victory wreath over an eight-spoked wheel to left, monogram to right. Kharoshthi legend: "Maharajasa dharmikasa Minamdrasa" (King Menander follower of the Dharma "). [ 1 ]
Menander II equipped with a cuirass, lamellar armour for the thighs, and greaves , and making a blessing gesture. This is the obverse figure of an Indian-standard square coin of Menander II, with walking lion on the reverse. [ 2 ]
Menander II bareheaded.
Coin of Menander II.
Obv: Menander wearing a diadem. Greek legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ (BASILEOS DIKAIOU MENANDROU) "Of King Menander the Just".
Rev: Winged figure with halo bearing wreath and palm, probably Nike . The Kharoshthi legend reads MAHARAJASA DHARMIKASA MENADRASA (King Menander, follower of the Dharma ).
Menander II with Nike making a blessing gesture and seated lion.
The lion on Menander II's coins is similar to those on the Pillars of Ashoka : seated posture, protruding tongue, mane (detail of Indian-standard square coin of Menander II).