• Here is a brief introduction about the contents of this very interesting book on Tibet. It includes why Indians need to know about Tibet.

Imperial Games in Tibet is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding how India’s northern border turned overnight from being historically the most peaceful to a security nightmare.

Tibet is India’s largest neighbour, the country with which it has its longest land border. Its relations with Tibet have traditionally been friendly and their border never raised security concerns for either country. This changed in the 18^th century, first with the conquest of Tibet by China and then by the arrival of Britain and Russia, whose fierce rivalry determined the destiny of Tibet in accordance with their imperial considerations.

The book takes a fresh look at their rivalry, putting into perspective their conspiracies and confrontations to explain how Tibet lost out and why China’s claim to it continues to go unchallenged.

But why do Indians need to know about Tibet?

After all, the whole world has accepted its annexation and apart from expressing concern on China’s human rights violations, no country is prepared to do anything about it. In this international scenario, why should Indians bother even to read Tibet’s history?

As the book explains, while the world may appear to have forgotten Tibet, its people have not lost hope. Their resistance continues to draw popular sympathy abroad, infuriating China and provoking it to uncompromising hostility towards such elements. India is its prime target. China is deeply suspicious of India for giving asylum to Tibetan exiles, particularly the Dalai Lama. The continuing diplomatic and military confrontations between the two countries are a reminder that the border dispute is only a manifestation of the real problem between them – Tibet.

For other big powers, Tibet remains a playground for their geopolitical ambitions, but for India it defines its main security challenge. Indians must study China’s claim to Tibet because on it is based its claim to large parts of Indian territory. China has been furiously rewriting its history to assert its claim to Tibet, which India must contest, as much for the sake of its own security as for protecting its ancient ties with the people of Tibet.

China’s rise as a super power has revived international interest in Tibet, because the United States, in particular, sees a strategic opportunity there. The stormy contest of the big powers in the 19^th and 20^th centuries has resurfaced and India cannot remain ignorant of the past or unprepared for the future.

India cannot remain indifferent to the repression inside Tibet nor to the rivalry among the great powers involving Tibet.

To buy book online

Also read

1. Book review in Hindustan Times

2. Tibet is at the heart of the India China dispute

3. Album Tibet

4. Album Mcleodganj

5. Album Bylakuppe Coorg, Karnataka

6. Majnu ka Tilla, Tibetan Colony in Delhi

7. Album Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh

Tibet in Delhi, Leh and Dharamshala.