central asia in relation with india - historical perspective

The North-Western The North-Western FrontierFrontier

The Northern FrontierThe Northern Frontier

Close cultural, geographic and political links with Close cultural, geographic and political links with IranIran AfghanistanAfghanistan Central Asian StatesCentral Asian States TibetTibet

Basis for LinksBasis for Links References in LiteratureReferences in Literature

Vedic texts and epics mention parad, darad, rishik, tushar, pakht, bhalin, sibi – clans Vedic texts and epics mention parad, darad, rishik, tushar, pakht, bhalin, sibi – clans occupying certain regioinsoccupying certain regioins

Jatak tales, Purana mention trade and travel to central AsiaJatak tales, Purana mention trade and travel to central Asia Buddhist text found in central Asia translated in local languagesBuddhist text found in central Asia translated in local languages Chinese court records track the trade to IndiaChinese court records track the trade to India

Archeological evidenceArcheological evidence Stupa , Vihara, Hindu and Budhist idols found all over Central AsiaStupa , Vihara, Hindu and Budhist idols found all over Central Asia Coins by Kushana, Indo-Greek kings depict hindu and Buddhist deities and symbolsCoins by Kushana, Indo-Greek kings depict hindu and Buddhist deities and symbols Ashokan inscriptions in Gandhar region written in Kharoshthi and Prakrit indicate the Ashokan inscriptions in Gandhar region written in Kharoshthi and Prakrit indicate the

spread of language and script.spread of language and script. Cultural Cultural

Intermixing of people on large scale due to invasions, trade and religious spread over last Intermixing of people on large scale due to invasions, trade and religious spread over last 2-3 millenniums2-3 millenniums

Common language pool know as Indo-Iranian, part of Indo European groupCommon language pool know as Indo-Iranian, part of Indo European group

India – local and India – local and foreign kingdomsforeign kingdoms

IranIran Name derived from Ariana – Land of AryansName derived from Ariana – Land of Aryans Historically included Caucasus, Parthia (Khorasan), Sogdiana, Afghanistan, Iraq at Historically included Caucasus, Parthia (Khorasan), Sogdiana, Afghanistan, Iraq at

various timesvarious times Zend Avesta – Zoroastrian sacred book has several common terms and events w.r.t. Zend Avesta – Zoroastrian sacred book has several common terms and events w.r.t.

Rigved, the Hindu sacred bookRigved, the Hindu sacred book Haom for SomHaom for Som Ahur mazda associated with Varun,AsurAhur mazda associated with Varun,Asur Mention of Haptahindu regionMention of Haptahindu region

Ancesters of Rigvedic and Avestan people could be living in same region in central Ancesters of Rigvedic and Avestan people could be living in same region in central AsiaAsia

IranIran

Boghazkoi (Turkey) Inscription – Refers to a treaty and mentions Mithra, Boghazkoi (Turkey) Inscription – Refers to a treaty and mentions Mithra, Varun, Indra and Nasatya as witnesses. Varun, Indra and Nasatya as witnesses.

Behistun inscription mentions Gandhar, Sindhu-Sauvir and Kamboj as part of Behistun inscription mentions Gandhar, Sindhu-Sauvir and Kamboj as part of Achamenian empire during reign of Darius FirstAchamenian empire during reign of Darius First

Nakshe-e-Rustum and Persepolis inscriptions mention ‘Hind’Nakshe-e-Rustum and Persepolis inscriptions mention ‘Hind’ Indo-Parthian (Gondopheres) kings ruled over Arachosia, Seistan, Sindh, Indo-Parthian (Gondopheres) kings ruled over Arachosia, Seistan, Sindh,

Punjab, and the Kabul valley Punjab, and the Kabul valley

Boghazkoi Inscription

1400 BC

Bahistun Inscription

518 BC

Alexandar Conquers Darius III, end of Achemeni rule

318 BC

Sasenid Empire

250 CE

Indo Parthian kingdoms

20 BC

AfghanistanAfghanistan Part of Indian kingdoms for centuries which included regions of Gandhar, Part of Indian kingdoms for centuries which included regions of Gandhar,

Kamboj, Balkh (Bactria)Kamboj, Balkh (Bactria) Mundigak, Surkh Kotal – early Indus Valley SitesMundigak, Surkh Kotal – early Indus Valley Sites Bactria ruled by Indo Greek kings such as Diodotus, Dimitrius. Indo Greek Bactria ruled by Indo Greek kings such as Diodotus, Dimitrius. Indo Greek

kings were successors of Alexander’s governors who have become kings were successors of Alexander’s governors who have become independent. Dimitrius supposed to have annexed region up to Saket and independent. Dimitrius supposed to have annexed region up to Saket and reached Pushpapur (Pataliputra)reached Pushpapur (Pataliputra)

Heliodorus, ambassador of Antiokus erected pillar at Sanchi as his tribute to Heliodorus, ambassador of Antiokus erected pillar at Sanchi as his tribute to Bhagavat dharma.Bhagavat dharma.

AfghanistanAfghanistanLiterary evidences of the India connectionLiterary evidences of the India connection Rigved mentions river names such as Kubha (Kabul), Suvastu (Swat), Rigved mentions river names such as Kubha (Kabul), Suvastu (Swat),

Kramu(Kurram) etc. Kramu(Kurram) etc. Republics of Kath, Shibi, Malav, Kshudrak – mentioned in Greek writings and Republics of Kath, Shibi, Malav, Kshudrak – mentioned in Greek writings and

also contemporary writers such as Panini and Kautilyaalso contemporary writers such as Panini and Kautilya Chandragupta Maurya’s army headed to conquer Magadh included kings of Chandragupta Maurya’s army headed to conquer Magadh included kings of

Sindhu, Parsik, Kashmir, Balhik, Sistan, Kamboj as per Sindhu, Parsik, Kashmir, Balhik, Sistan, Kamboj as per MudrarakshasMudrarakshas Seleucus Nicator , governor of Alexander gave away regions of Paropnisadi, Seleucus Nicator , governor of Alexander gave away regions of Paropnisadi,

Archosia, Aria and Gedrosia to Chandragupta Archosia, Aria and Gedrosia to Chandragupta

Mahabharat mention sGandhar

400 BC

Alexandar at North frontier

318 BC

IVC Sites at Mundigak

3200 BC

Indo Greek Kings rule Bactria and adjacent region

200-100 BC

Kushan

empire

100-200 CE

Central AsiaCentral Asia Includes Includes

Kashgar, Yarkand, Khotan, Kashgar, Yarkand, Khotan, Kuchar,Karashahr,TurfanKuchar,Karashahr,Turfan

Many Buddhist Stupa, Vihar Many Buddhist Stupa, Vihar foundfound

Budhist literature in Budhist literature in Kharoshthi + Kharoshthi + Sanskri/Prakrit/Local Sanskri/Prakrit/Local languages availablelanguages available

Khotan, prominent centre of Khotan, prominent centre of Indian studies, kings named Indian studies, kings named ‘Vijit’ were Budhist‘Vijit’ were Budhist

Kuchar – kings named Kuchar – kings named Haripushpa, Suvarnapushpa, Haripushpa, Suvarnapushpa, centre for Sanskrit learningcentre for Sanskrit learning

Karashar – Images of Karashar – Images of Ganesh, Kuber, Trimukh Ganesh, Kuber, Trimukh foundfound

TibetTibet

Accessed by roads from NepalAccessed by roads from Nepal Budhism – mix of Mahayan and Budhism – mix of Mahayan and

Vajrayan adopted by royals and Vajrayan adopted by royals and locals around 1-2’nd century CElocals around 1-2’nd century CE

Indian script of brahmi in practiceIndian script of brahmi in practice Tibetan monks educated and Tibetan monks educated and

researched in Nalanda and researched in Nalanda and Vikramshila universitiesVikramshila universities

Pal kings of Bengal had good Pal kings of Bengal had good relations with Tibetrelations with Tibet

InvadersInvadersShak – ScythianShak – Scythian Puran mentions Shak and PahlavPuran mentions Shak and Pahlav Kushan tribes conquered Shak kingdoms in Sir valley which forced Shak to move Kushan tribes conquered Shak kingdoms in Sir valley which forced Shak to move

into Iran and fight with Parthiansinto Iran and fight with Parthians Finally Shak entered India from Sistan (Shaksthan) and BaluchistanFinally Shak entered India from Sistan (Shaksthan) and Baluchistan Ruled over Gandhar(Kandahar) and Pushkalavati (Peshavar), Ruled over Gandhar(Kandahar) and Pushkalavati (Peshavar), Used Kharoshthi script and Prakrit Language. Later Shaka rulers used classical Used Kharoshthi script and Prakrit Language. Later Shaka rulers used classical

SanskritSanskrit Kshatrap, Mahakshatrap – Shak ruled as governor of Indo-Greek kings and hence Kshatrap, Mahakshatrap – Shak ruled as governor of Indo-Greek kings and hence

the termsthe terms Ruled on Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Rajasthan, Sindh as Kshatrap rulers– mainly 2 Ruled on Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Rajasthan, Sindh as Kshatrap rulers– mainly 2

dynasties- Kshaharat and Kardamak. dynasties- Kshaharat and Kardamak. Chandragupta II Vikramiditya had decisive victory on ShakChandragupta II Vikramiditya had decisive victory on Shak

InvadersInvadersKushan – Yuezhi tribes from Gansu region of eastern ChinaKushan – Yuezhi tribes from Gansu region of eastern China Originally from south of Taklimakan desert, brave and cruel nomadsOriginally from south of Taklimakan desert, brave and cruel nomads Had to flee because of Hun suppression and thus displaced Shak rulers in GandharHad to flee because of Hun suppression and thus displaced Shak rulers in Gandhar Kujul Kadphisis to Kanishka – Kushan kings ruled over Kashmir, Khorasan to Kujul Kadphisis to Kanishka – Kushan kings ruled over Kashmir, Khorasan to

Vindhay in south at the time of KanishkaVindhay in south at the time of Kanishka encouraged Buddhism along with Shaivism encouraged Buddhism along with Shaivism Taken over by Sassanid, Yaudheya , Gupta and finally by HunsTaken over by Sassanid, Yaudheya , Gupta and finally by Huns

HunHun Xiongnu tribe, Originally from east China regionXiongnu tribe, Originally from east China region Invaded India in 5’th century CE – Torman and Mihirkul prominent kingsInvaded India in 5’th century CE – Torman and Mihirkul prominent kings Hun opposed Buddhism and destroyed Buddhist monuments.Hun opposed Buddhism and destroyed Buddhist monuments.

InvadersInvaders

Total impactTotal impact Although invaders and conquerors, assimilated completely in Indian populationAlthough invaders and conquerors, assimilated completely in Indian population Merged completely with local traditions and became part of social fabricMerged completely with local traditions and became part of social fabric Converted to Hinduism and Buddhism,Converted to Hinduism and Buddhism, Shaks gave patronage to SanskritShaks gave patronage to Sanskrit Kushans, the first to make gold coinsKushans, the first to make gold coins

Kushan in India

100 BC

Shak in India

200 BC

Hun in India

500 CE

Khsatrap in western India

50-400 CE

Features of InteractionFeatures of Interaction Trade – Silk routeTrade – Silk route Religion – BuddhismReligion – Buddhism Cross Boundary Empires – Cross Boundary Empires –

Kushan, Kushan, Indo-GreekIndo-Greek Culture from Indian contextCulture from Indian context

ArchitectureArchitecture LiteratureLiterature

Interaction with IndiaInteraction with India

TradeTrade Silk Route provided opportunity for Silk Route provided opportunity for

Indians to trade with China and Indians to trade with China and Greece by landGreece by land

Ports such as Bhadoch, Sopara, Ports such as Bhadoch, Sopara, Kaveripattanam thrived as sea-trade Kaveripattanam thrived as sea-trade flourishedflourished

Indians migrated to places such as Indians migrated to places such as KashgarKashgar

Trade in turn acted as catalyst for Trade in turn acted as catalyst for spread of religious thoughts.spread of religious thoughts.

Scripts such as Kharoshthi were Scripts such as Kharoshthi were widespread in this region, again widespread in this region, again thanks to tradethanks to trade


ReligionReligion

Spread of Buddhism to China and Afghanistan accelerated because of Spread of Buddhism to China and Afghanistan accelerated because of access to trade routes access to trade routes

Several Buddhist manuscripts, monuments found in central Asia indicate Several Buddhist manuscripts, monuments found in central Asia indicate the Buddhist following in that regionthe Buddhist following in that region

Royal Patronage to Buddhism – Ashok, Milind, KanishkaRoyal Patronage to Buddhism – Ashok, Milind, Kanishka Iranian sun god brought in by Zoroastrians is still worshipped, Idol of sun Iranian sun god brought in by Zoroastrians is still worshipped, Idol of sun

with boots on the feet indicate foreign originwith boots on the feet indicate foreign origin Parsi community – fled from Iran in 7-8’th century to escape onslaught of Parsi community – fled from Iran in 7-8’th century to escape onslaught of

Islam and now forms an important ethnic group in India Islam and now forms an important ethnic group in India


EmpiresEmpires Mauryan rule had a close relation with Indo Greek kings, Mauryan rule had a close relation with Indo Greek kings,

Chandragupta’s army included Greek soldiers, named as ‘Bhrut sainik’Chandragupta’s army included Greek soldiers, named as ‘Bhrut sainik’ Chandragupta Maurya married Seleucus Nicator’sChandragupta Maurya married Seleucus Nicator’s daughterdaughter

Cross cultural and cross boundary kingdoms - e.g Achamanian, Kushan, Indo Cross cultural and cross boundary kingdoms - e.g Achamanian, Kushan, Indo Greek – resulted in mixing of traditions, races and faithGreek – resulted in mixing of traditions, races and faith

Adaptation and IndianizationAdaptation and Indianization Coins by ‘foreign’ kings depicted local deities e.g Shiv, BudhaCoins by ‘foreign’ kings depicted local deities e.g Shiv, Budha Patronage to Kharoshthi script, Prakrit and Sanskrit languagesPatronage to Kharoshthi script, Prakrit and Sanskrit languages


Art ,Architecture, LiteratureArt ,Architecture, Literature Gandhar school of art influenced style of sculpturesGandhar school of art influenced style of sculptures Several Buddhist monuments found e.g Takht-e-Bahi vihar, Several Buddhist monuments found e.g Takht-e-Bahi vihar,

Bamiyan,Swat and Mingora stupaBamiyan,Swat and Mingora stupa Buddhist literature such as Milindpanha, Ashwaghosha’s poetry Buddhist literature such as Milindpanha, Ashwaghosha’s poetry

indicate superior and refined thinkingindicate superior and refined thinking Ashokan rock edicts ‘inspired’ by similar edicts by Darius of Ashokan rock edicts ‘inspired’ by similar edicts by Darius of

Achamanian empireAchamanian empire Chandragupta Maurya’s palace was styled like Persepolis palaceChandragupta Maurya’s palace was styled like Persepolis palace Indians learned fine coin making from GreeksIndians learned fine coin making from Greeks


Thank YouThank You

central asia in relation with india - historical perspective

Travel