kuljas

Kuljas, also known as Khotan, is a historical oasis city located on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Situated on the Tarim River basin, it was a vital stop on the southern Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the East and West. The city's strategic location facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between China, Central Asia, India, and the Middle East for centuries.

Historically, Kuljas was the capital of the Kingdom of Khotan, a significant Buddhist kingdom that flourished from around the 3rd century BCE to the 11th century CE. The kingdom was known for its advanced irrigation systems, fertile agricultural lands producing grains, fruits, and cotton, and its rich production of jade, which was highly prized. The city was a major center of Buddhist learning and art, with numerous monasteries and stupas.

The population of Kuljas was diverse, comprising various ethnic groups and speaking different languages over its history. The cultural landscape was shaped by the interplay of Indian, Persian, and Chinese influences, particularly evident in its art, religion, and architecture. The decline of the Silk Road trade and subsequent invasions, including by the Kara-Khanids in the 11th century, led to its gradual decline as a major political and economic center.

Today, the modern city of Hotan (the pinyin romanization of the Chinese name for Kuljas) is a prefecture-level city in Xinjiang. While its historical prominence has diminished, it remains an important regional center. The legacy of ancient Khotan can still be seen in archaeological finds and the enduring cultural traditions of the region.