Historical Texts and References of Arunachal Pradesh

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Arunachal Pradesh, the north easternmost state of India, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Often referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun," its history is deeply intertwined with the ancient traditions and texts of India and neigh boring regions. This article delves into the historical references to Arunachal Pradesh, as found in Ancient Indian Scriptures, Tibetan Chronicles, and Chinese Historical Accounts.

Mentions in Ancient Indian Scriptures

1. Epic References in the Mahabharata

Arunachal Pradesh is linked with the legendary Prabhu Mountains, mentioned in the Mahabharata, where King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha is said to have ruled. His kingdom, Bhishmaknagar, is believed to be located in present-day Arunachal Pradesh. The area finds its prominence as the setting for the marriage of Rukmini, Krishnas consort.

2. Kalika Purana

The Kalika Purana, a 10th-century scripture, describes the region's dense forests, mighty rivers, and its association with tribal deities. Arunachal's geography aligns with the Purana's descriptions of the "Kirata" region inhabited by Kiratas, believed to be early Mongoloid tribes.

3. Ramayana and Sage Parashurama

The Ramayana mentions a mythical land in the northeast where Sage Parashurama, one of the seven immortals in Hindu tradition, is believed to have washed away his sins after exterminating the Kshatriyas. This area is identified with present-day Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Parashuram Kund in Lohit district.

4. Puranas and the Kiratas

The Puranas, including the Vishnu Purana and Skanda Purana, reference the northeastern region as the land of Kiratas, expert archers who lived in harmony with nature. These texts highlight the unique flora, fauna, and spiritual ethos of the region.

5. Geographical Mentions in Arthashastra

The Arthashastra by Kautilya, written around 4th century BCE, mentions trade routes and the eastern frontier, which some scholars associate with the territory that includes modern Arunachal Pradesh. The text discusses trade in silk, ivory, and aromatic woods, commodities abundant in the region.

Tibetan Chronicles

1. Historical Relations with Tibet

Arunachal Pradesh shares a long history with Tibet due to its geographic proximity. Tibetan chronicles, such as the Deb Ter Ngonpo (Blue Annals), describe interactions between Tibetan Buddhist monks and Arunachal's indigenous tribes. These chronicles often refer to the Monpa, Sherdukpen, and other communities in the Tawang region.

2. Construction of Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery, founded in 1680-81 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, is mentioned in various Tibetan texts. It served as a spiritual hub and a center of learning, playing a pivotal role in the spread of Mahayana Buddhism. Chronicles from the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism record this monastery as a significant milestone in their religious history.

3. Trade and Political Alliances

Tibetan records often highlight trade relationships with the Monpa tribes, focusing on the exchange of salt, wool, and livestock for rice, grains, and other goods from the plains. They also document Tibetan influence on governance and culture in certain parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Religious Expeditions

The Tibetan Thangka Paintings and Lamrim texts (stages of the path to enlightenment) mention Buddhist expeditions to northeastern regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, where monks introduced Buddhism to local tribes.

Chinese Chronicles

1. References in the Tang Dynasty Records

The Tang Dynasty (618907 CE) records interactions with the northeastern frontier of India, referring to the region as part of the "Southern Silk Route." These chronicles describe the dense forests, mountainous terrain, and tribal populations.

2. Mentions in Song Dynasty Texts

Chinese historians during the Song Dynasty (9601279 CE) documented the region as a trade and cultural passage linking India and China. The texts often refer to the Buddhist influences emanating from India into China, crossing territories that included Arunachal Pradesh.

3. The Tributary System

Arunachal Pradesh is indirectly mentioned in the context of the Chinese tributary system. Neighboring areas, particularly Tibet, played intermediary roles in trade and tribute exchanges with northeastern India, including Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Zhang Qians Expeditions

While Zhang Qian, an early Chinese explorer, primarily explored Central Asia, subsequent Chinese historians referenced his accounts to discuss the interconnectedness of the Silk Routes. Arunachal Pradesh's location on the fringes of these routes made it a part of these discussions.

Interconnected Cultural Aspects

1. Trade Routes and Pilgrimage Pathways

The region served as a conduit between India, Tibet, and China, fostering exchanges of culture, religion, and trade. Sacred pilgrimages such as those to Parashuram Kund or the Tawang Monastery linked the region to larger spiritual networks.

2. Syncretism in Religious Practices

Buddhism, Hinduism, and local animistic traditions coexisted, with Tibetan and Chinese records emphasizing the integration of Mahayana Buddhism with indigenous faiths.

3. Oral Histories

Indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, including the Adi, Apatani, and Mishmi, maintain oral histories that align with many historical accounts in scriptures and chronicles. These oral traditions provide additional perspectives on the historical references to the region.

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