India–Tibet relations

India–Tibet relations go all the way back to the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, and the fleeing of a Kaurava military general, Rupati, to Tibet. Scholars like Buton Rinchen Drub (Bu-ston) have suggested that Tibetans are descendants of Rupati.[1] Other scholars point to the first significant contact being when Buddhism was spread to Tibet through the efforts of Tibetan kings, Songtsen Gampo and Trisong-Detsen.[2] However recently, due to Chinese presence, India has shifted its stance with respect to Tibet, resulting in the Dalai Lama calling on Tibetans to stay united.[3] For over 60 years, India has given exiled Tibetans shelter.[4]

A Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan government-in-exile) functionary said in 2019:[4]

China has occupied Tibet and we expect India has the only legitimacy and credibility to speak about Tibet [...] It is due to India's consistent generosity and kindness, we, the people in exile, have been able to preserve our ancient cultural heritage in exile

See also

References
  1. Mehrotra 2000, p. 1.
  2. Mehrotra 2000, p. 2.
  3. Madhukar, Abhishek (2018-03-31). "Dalai Lama calls on Tibetans to remain united as India drifts towards China". Reuters. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  4. "60 Years Into Exile, Tibetans Say India Has Done A Lot For Them". Outlook India. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 2020-06-06.

Bibliography

Further reading
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