IndoTibetan

Indo-Tibetan refers to the cultural, linguistic, and historical connections between India and Tibet. These interactions have a long and complex history, spanning over a millennium. A significant aspect of this relationship is the transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet. In the 7th century CE, Tibetan rulers began to actively import Buddhist texts and teachings from India, leading to the development of Tibetan Buddhism. This involved the translation of vast numbers of Sanskrit scriptures into Tibetan, a monumental intellectual undertaking that preserved many Indian Buddhist texts that are now lost in their original form.

Beyond religion, there have been exchanges in art, philosophy, and governance. Tibetan monastic universities often studied Indian philosophical traditions. The unique script of the Tibetan language itself was also influenced by Indian scripts. Despite geographical proximity and shared cultural influences, the political relationship between India and Tibet has varied throughout history, ranging from periods of close cultural ties to more distant or even strained relations, particularly in the modern era following the annexation of Tibet by China. The term "Indo-Tibetan" often encompasses the study of these multifaceted interactions and their enduring impact on both regions.