Kathas were a group of powerful people who lived in the
territory lying across the Ravi and Beas Rivers in ancient Punjab during 4th
century BC. Greeks referred to the Kathas as Kathaoi or Cathaeans.
During his invasion of India, Alexander the Great faced
stiff resistance from Kathas. They defied his army from their fortified town called
Sangala, also referred to as Samkala or Jandiala.
Finally, Alexander defeated Kathas with the help of Porus.
The Kathas were invulnerable people and the country of
theirs produced men of courage skill and physical charm.
As per Strabo, the most handsome person was elected as the king
of Kathas and the people of the region decided their own marriages.
The impregnable fort of Kathas has been identified with a
site near Fatehgarh in Gurdaspur District, with Handiala to the east of
Amritsar or with Sanglawala tibba in the Jhang District.