China is a Parasite to Tibet

Tibet is the homeland of the Tibetan people. Also, residents on the plateau are some other ethnic groups. Tibet has a unique country with its own govt, religion, language, laws, currency, and customs. Tibet’s history begins in 127 BC and it was subsequently ruled by different dynasties and eventually under the Dalai Lamas (or Ganden Phodrang) from the 17^th century. At different times, nations like China, Britain, and Mongolia sought control over Tibet, but with limited success. Dalai Lama is a Buddhist spiritual leader and their regents headed the Tibetan government (or Ganden Phodrang) in Lhasa which governed most of the Tibetan Plateau. Ganden Phodrang has always been a symbol of the unification of the state of Tibet. Ganden Phodrang was a Tibetan system of govt established by the 5^th Dalai Lama in 1642. Tibet’s strategic location, cultural influence, economic potential, environmental significance, and political dynamics shape the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Tibet has been inhabited since prehistoric times but most of its history went unrecorded until the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism around the 6^th century. Also, historical accounts observed the introduction of Buddhism from India in the 6^th century.

“What is certain is that Tibet is not like any other land it is more than a country, it is a complex and unique civilization, a world apart with its own language and dialects, a vast literature and sophisticated customs”

Tibet and Buddhism have become synonymous with the idea of Tibet as a Nation. In Tibet, Buddhism is not just a religion “but a way of life”. The unique geography and the high altitude of Tibet occurred civilization with its own philosophy culture language and architecture with features though similar yet quite distinct from its surrounding neighbourhoods. Tibet is bordered by China and several countries in South and Central Asia often called Tibet “the roof of the world” because it has high mountains, plateaus, and glaciers, including Mount Everest-the highest mountain in the world.

After the fall of the Qing empire (1912), Ganden Phodrang (in Lhas) lasted until the 1950s when the People’s Republic of China (PRC) invaded Tibet. Most of the time from the early Qing period until the end of Ganden Phodrang rule, Kashag operated as the highest authority in the Ganden Phodrang administration. Dalai Lama headed the Tibetan government until the 1950s and forcefully have to flee outside of Tibet in March after national uprising day. Tibet was incorporated into China in 1951 and the present (Fourteenth) Dalai Lama went into exile in 1959 when the Tibetan diaspora began. Since that time, Tibetan Buddhism has become of increasing interest to people throughout the world. Dalai Lama fled to India created several waves of Tibetan refugees and led to the creation of Tibetan diasporas in India, the United States, and Europe. … before leaving Tibet for China.

HISTORICAL STATUS OF TIBET BEFORE THE CHINESE INVASION

A Glorious Legacy

Before the Chinese invasion in 1949’s, Tibet maintained a distinct and autonomous status, functioning as a sovereign state with its own political, cultural, and religious institutions. Tibet has a history dating back over 2,000 years. A good starting point in analyzing the country’s status is the period referred to as Tibet’s “imperial age,” when the entire country was first united under one ruler. There is no serious dispute over the existence of Tibet as an independent state during this period. Even China’s own historical records and the treaties Tibet and China concluded during that period refer to Tibet as a strong state.

At times, Tibet extended its influence over neighboring countries and peoples and, in other periods, came itself under the influence of powerful foreign rulers – the Mongol Khans, the Gorkhas of Nepal, the Manchu emperors and the British rulers of India.

Tibet has spanned centuries of cultural development and political transformations. Before the Chinese invasion of 1949, Tibet stood as a distinct and sovereign nation, characterized by its unique Tibetan Buddhist heritage, territorial expansions and political unity. This article digs into the rich history of Tibet, highlighting its remarkable achievements and the foundations that shaped its identity before the invasion of external forces.

1. Origins and the Tibetan Empire: Tibet’s history has evidence back to the 7^th century when the Tibetan Empire was established under leadership of King Songtsen Gampo. The empire expanded its reach to vast territories in Central Asia. This era witnessed the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet, as King Songtsen Gampo married a Nepalese princess and a Chines princess, both of whom were a devotee of Buddhists.
2. The Era of Cultural Flourishing: After the collapse of the Tibetan Empire in the 9^th century, Tibet entered a phase of shattering, characterized by the rise of regional powers and smaller kingdoms. However, this period witnessed a remarkable flourishing of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Great monastic institutions were established and influential figures such as Atisha, Buddha, and Padmasambhava made significant contributions to the development of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. The Gelugpa School and the Dalai Lama Institution: The Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism led by Je Tsongkhapa, gained prominence in the 15^th Known as the Yellow Sect, the Gelugpas established influential monastic universities such as Ganden, Drepung and Sera. It was during this period that the institution of the Dalai Lama came into being with the 5^th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, assuming both spiritual and political leadership in the 17^th century. The Dalai Lama institution became the heart of Tibetan governance and Tibetan Buddhism.
4. Tibetan Independence and Sovereignty: Throughout its history, Tibet maintained a degree of autonomy, even during periods of conflict with neighboring powers. In the early 20^th century, Tibet declared independence from China following the fall of the Qing dynasty. The 13^th Dalai Lama issued a proclamation reaffirming Tibet’s sovereignty and required to modernize the country while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

The history of Tibet before the Chinese invasion is a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Tibetan people. From the establishment of the Tibetan Empire to the flourishing of Buddhism and the rise of influential religious leaders, Tibet stood as a unique and sovereign nation with profound spiritual traditions. While the Chinese invasion of 1949 altered Tibet’s trajectory, the historical legacy of Tibet suffers, inspiring a global appreciation for its rich cultural heritage and the pursuit of justice and freedom for the Tibetan people.

Structure of Tibet

Tibet is regarded as the roof of the world, with all its mystery and isolation. It is also called ‘Land of Snow’ and ‘Third Pole. Tibet land is surrounded by mountains. The land of these people is centered on the high Tibetan plateau and is called ‘Bod’ by the habitants. It is from Bod that all Tibetans derive their home as ‘Bodpa’ although ‘Tibetan’ is a complex and comprehensive term as it covers the inhabitants of a vast area who are a mixture of many races (Monpa, Tamang, Qiang and Sherpa peoples).

To quote Peissel this land is “situated in the heart of Asia” and the Tibetan world covers the entire extent of the great Tibetan plateau, extending from the southern face of the Himalayas northwards to the Kuen lung vange that borders Takla Mohan desert of Chinese Turkestan and east to west it ranges from the hills of Sichuan to the Hindu Kush”. Tibet is an area inhabited by the people of Tibetan language and culture extends from divided into three cultural regions.

The structure of Tibet consists of high mountains, lakes, and rivers lying between Central, East and South Asia. Traditionally, Western (European & American) sources have regarded Tibet as being in Central Asia. Tibet is often called “the roof of the world,” comprising a huge flat area of land surrounded by very tall mountains. The formation of the plateaus due to the movement of the surface may be due to earthquakes that have given rise to the plateau which has a height of 4599 meters to around 5000 meters above sea level (including Mount Everest). It was formed when India crashed into Asia and pushed the land up.

The Tibetan Plateau is called the ‘Roof of the World” because of its distance above sea level and there are not many places on earth higher than that. Tibet is the most elevated region on the Earth and there are not many places on Earth higher than that. Today’s map shows a trend toward considering all of modern China, including Tibet, to be part of East Asia.

Relationship between independent Tibet and India:

‘Strengthening Bonds’

The relationship between independent Tibet and India has a deep-rooted history marked by cultural, spiritual, and political connections. Prior to the Chinese invasion in 1949, Tibet and India shared a unique bond, fostered through centuries of trade, religious exchanges and mutual respect. This article explores the multifaced relationship between independent Tibet and India, highlighting the significance of their historical interactions and the enduring impact on their diplomatic ties.

1. Cultural and Spiritual Ties: Tibet and India have long enjoyed a profound cultural and spiritual relationship. Tibetan Buddhism, is deeply influenced by Indian Buddhist traditions shaping the spiritual and philosophical landscape of the region. Tibetan scholars and pilgrims regularly travelled to India, seeking knowledge and engaging in religious studies while Indian scholars also visited Tibet. (For pilgrimage, to study Buddhist text and spiritual exchanges)
2. Trade And Economic Connections: Trade routes connecting India and Tibet, such as the famous Silk Road, facilitated vibrant commerce and economic exchanges. Indian merchants travelled to Tibet. Indian merchants travelled to Tibet, introducing goods such as spices, textiles and medicinal herbs, while Tibetans exported valuable resources like salt, wool, and medicinal plants. This trade relationship not only fostered economic prosperity but also contributed to cultural and intellectual exchanges between the two regions.
3. Refuge for Tibetan Buddhism: During the 1950s and 1960s Tibet faced political turmoil and the Chinese invasion, India provided refuge to thousands of Tibetan Buddhists including His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama. India welcomed Tibetan refugees and established settlements in various parts of the country, offering them a safe haven to preserve their cultural heritage and practice their religion. This act of humanitarian assistance further strengthened the ties between Tibetans and the Indian people
4. Political Support for Tibetan Independence: India played important role in advocating for Tibetan independence on the international stage. Following the Chinese invasion, India raised the issue of Tibet’s sovereignty in global forums, emphasizing the importance of respecting Tibet’s unique identity and the rights of the Tibetan people. The Indian government consistently supported the Tibetan government-in-exile and provided a platform for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders to voice their concerns or raise their concerns.
5. Educational and Intellectual Exchanges: India has been the backbone in supporting Tibetan educational institutions and promoting intellectual exchanges. Tibetan students have been able to pursue higher education in Indian universities and monastic institutions, fostering intellectual growth and promotion of Tibetan language, literature, and arts ensuring the continuity of Tibetan culture in exile.

The relationship between independent Tibet and India’s cultural, spiritual, and political relations. From the shared heritage of Buddhism as common to trade routes connecting their economies, the historical ties between Tibet and India have laid a solid foundation for their modern-day diplomatic relations. India’s support for Tibetan refugees and advocacy for Tibetan independence has further deepened the bond between the two nations of India and Tibet. Despite the challenges posed by the Chinese invasion and subsequent occupation, the historical connection between Tibet and India continues to shape their bilateral relationship and foster mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity.

At final, we can observe India and Tibet’s relationship is rooted in history, culture, and shared values of Buddhism. Despite the political complexities, there are many opportunities for both nations to enhance cooperation in various domains. It is the true potential of this stable relationship that can be realized, benefitting not only the people of India and Tibet but the entire region as well.