Tang–Tibet relations

During Tang dynasty rule in China (618–907), Chinese and Tibetan forces had many battles, although there were also years of peace.

Emperor Songtsen Gampo with Princesses Wen Cheng and Bhrikuti Devi
Mural commemorating victory of General Zhang Yichao over the Tibetan Empire in 848. Mogao cave 156, late Tang Dynasty

The Old Book of Tang recorded the first ever embassy from Tibet arrived in China from the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo in the 8th Zhenguan year or 634 CE.[1] Tang chronicles describe this as a tribute mission, but it brought an ultimatum demanding an alliance through marriage, not subservient rituals.[2] When Emperor Taizong of Tang refused a marriage alliance, Songtsen Gampo sent an army to attack the Chinese frontier city of Songzhou in 638, which was the first military conflict between the rising Tibetan Empire and the Chinese Tang dynasty. After a Tang army inflicted heavy casualties on the Tibetans in a night-time attack, Songtsen Gampo withdrew. He sent emissaries and tributes to Tang capital Chang'an to apologize, and to again request marriage. Taizong decided to give Songtsen Gampo a distant niece, Princess Wencheng, in marriage. The peace held for the remainder of the reigns of Taizong and Songtsen Gampo.

In 669 AD, the Tibetans invaded and conquered Tuyuhun kingdom of Qinghai, which was a tributary state and important ally to the Tang dynasty. To help Tuyuhun restore the regime, Emperor Gaozong of Tang launched the Battle of Dafei River against Tibet. Tang was defeated and lost control of Qinghai.[3]

In 763 AD, the Tibetans captured Tang's capital Chang'an during the midst of the Anshi Rebellion, which saw Tang China devastated by a massive Turkic uprising. However, the incursion was soon defeated.[4]

There is some confusion as to whether Central Tibet conquered Zhang Zhung during the reign of Songtsen Gampo or in the reign of Trisong Detsän, (r. 755 until 797 or 804 CE).[5] The records of the Tang Annals do, however, seem to clearly place these events in the reign of Songtsen Gampo for they say that in 634, Yangtong (Zhang Zhung) and various Qiang tribes "altogether submitted to him." Following this he united with the country of Yangtong to defeat the 'Azha or Tuyuhun, and then conquered two more tribes of Qiang before threatening Songzhou with an army of (according to the Chinese) more than 200,000 men (100,000 according to Tibetan sources).[6] He then sent an envoy with gifts of gold and silk to the Chinese emperor to ask for a Chinese princess in marriage and, when refused, attacked Songzhou. According to the Tang Annals, he finally retreated and apologised and later the emperor granted his request.[7][8]

Map during the period
Taizong "reign" 616-649
Colors show the succession of Taizong (Tang) conquest in Asia :
   Shanxi (617 : his father is governor, Taizong support his revolt.)
   Sui's Empire Protector (618). Tang dynasty 618. Controlled all of Sui's China by 622-626.
   Submit the Oriental Turks territories (630-682)
  Territory of the Tibetan Empire.
   Submit the Occidental Turks territories (642-665)
(idem) add the Oasis (640-648 : Northern Oasis ; 648 : Southern Oasis)
   [Not shown in the map : Conquest of Goguryeo by his son (661-668)]
The two darkest area are the area under the direct control of the Chinese empire, the 3 lightest area are under nominal control and/or vassals. Borders are not factual, they are indicatives.

See also

References
  1. Lee 1981, pp. 6-7
  2. Powers 2004, pg. 31
  3. Chapter 196, Tubo. See wikisource
  4. Bell, Charles (1 June 2000). Tibet Past and Present. South Asia Books. p. 28?. ISBN 81-208-1048-1. See google book search
  5. Karmey, Samten G. (1975). "'A General Introduction to the History and Doctrines of Bon", p. 180. Memoirs of Research Department of The Toyo Bunko, No, 33. Tokyo.
  6. Powers 2004, pp. 168-9
  7. Lee 1981, pp. 7-9
  8. Pelliot 1961, pp. 3-4
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