“An Analysis of "Indo-Tibetan Relations in the Early Medieval Era: Culture and Politics"

Aarti Kumari Raj

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.49002

“An Analysis of "Indo-Tibetan Relations in the Early Medieval Era: Culture and Politics"

Author(s)	Dr. Aarti Kumari Raj
Country	India
Abstract	The early medieval period of Indian history, broadly spanning from the 6th to the 13th century CE, was marked by profound political, religious, and cultural transformations. This epoch not only witnessed the rise and fall of powerful regional kingdoms within the Indian subcontinent—such as the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas—but also saw an increased outward engagement with regions across the Himalayas, most notably Tibet. Among the various trans-Himalayan connections that evolved during this time, the relationship between India and Tibet stands out for its depth, duration, and multidimensional nature. Indo-Tibetan relations during the early medieval period cannot be viewed merely through the lens of conventional political diplomacy. Rather, these ties were a unique blend of spiritual symbiosis, intellectual collaboration, and occasional strategic interactions. Central to this relationship was the transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet, which catalyzed an enduring bond between the two regions. Indian scholars and monks traveled to Tibet, and Tibetan pilgrims and translators came to India, most often to centers of Buddhist learning such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantapuri. Through these engagements, a large body of Buddhist literature, especially from the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, was translated into Tibetan, thereby preserving many works that were later lost in India.At the same time, the political climate in both regions allowed for formal and informal exchanges. Tibetan rulers, particularly those of the Yarlung dynasty, cultivated close ties with Indian Buddhist teachers and religious establishments.1 These relations were encouraged by mutual respect and common religious aspirations, with Indian Buddhism providing a doctrinal and philosophical framework for Tibetan religiosity and statecraft. The period also saw the establishment of monasteries, the creation of diplomatic missions, and the development of shared artistic and iconographic traditions, especially visible in the fusion of Pala and Tibetan art styles.
Keywords	Keywords: Indo-Tibetan, Early Medieval, Buddhist Cultural Exchange, Monastic Scholarship
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On	2025-06-30
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.49002
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9r7qc

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“An Analysis of "Indo-Tibetan Relations in the Early Medieval Era: Culture and Politics"

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