(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-05-06 15:35

From the 7th Century to the 10th Century A.D.
Tang Dynasty: Tibet Had Intimate Exchanges with the Central Plains

The friendly relations between Tibetans and Hans in the Central Plains can go back to ancient times. In the 7th century, Srong -btsan-sgam-po, a Tibetan bTsan-po (king), unified various tribes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and established the Tubo Kingdom with Lhasa as its capltal. In 641 A.D., Srong-btsan-sgam-po married Princess Wen Cheng from the Tang Dynasty. As a result, advanced workmanships and Buddhist culture were introduced from the Centra Plains. In 710 A.D., Tang Princess Jin Cheng was married to Tubo bTsan-po Khri-lde-gtsug-btsan and she brought with her many craftsmen and ancient books and records in Chinese. There were frequent exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and the Tubo Kingdom. In the 213 years, there were 191 exchanges between officials from both sides and eight peace pledges were signed. Historical records describe the relations between the Tang Dynasty and the Tubo Kingdom as “Roads are close to each other and friendly exchanges are very constant" The Tang-Tubo Peace Pledge Monument erected in front of Jo-khang Temple is a clear proof.

Picture Depicting a Travel in Carriages Drawn by Yan Liben, a painter of the Tang Dynasty. It depicts the scene of how Tang Emperor Taizong met with mGar-stong-rtsan (left, second), a Tubo marriage envoy in Chang’an.

Sculpture of Srong-btsan-sgam-po (from the Potala Palace)

Sculpture of Princess Wen (from the Potala Palace)

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