Ancient Kamarupa, was a place of great importance in history. Its strategic location and rich culture attracted many foreign travelers. Among the most notable travelers who visited were Hiuen Tsang from China and Taranatha from Tibet. Their accounts provide fascinating insights into ancient Kamarupa's history, society, and culture.

Hiuen Tsang 's Account

Hiuen Tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who visited India in the 7th century during the reign of King Harshavardhana. His travel diaries are a key source of information about ancient Kamarupa.

1. Journey to Kamarupa:

o King Bhaskarvarman, who ruled Kamarupa, warmly welcomed Hiuen Tsang. Although the king was a devout Hindu, he supported Buddhism.

o Bhaskarvarman offered Hiuen Tsang royal hospitality and engaged in scholarly discussions, showing the intellectual and religious openness of his court.

2. Description of the Land:

o Hiuen Tsang described Kamarupa as a fertile and prosperous region with a rich variety of plants and animals.

o The country of Kampura was of 10,000 li (1700 miles) and the capital was of 30 li.

o The kingdom had dense forests, rivers, and mountains, adding to its natural beauty and resources.

3. Cultural and Religious Life:

o Hiuen Tsang noted the prevalence of Hinduism and the presence of many temples. He also mentioned the practice of Buddhism and the coexistence of different religions.

o He mentioned that the king Bhasgarbarman was of the Brahman caste (which is not correct)

o The king’s support for Buddhism included helping monks and monasteries, reflecting a harmonious blend of religious practices.

4. People, Society and Economy:

o The people of Kamarupa were described as honest, simple, and hardworking. Agriculture was the main occupation, with rice being the staple crop.

o Trade and commerce flourished, helped by the region's strategic location connecting India with Southeast Asia.

o Their complexion was dark yellow and the men were of small stature.

Taranatha's Account

Taranatha, a Tibetan scholar and historian, wrote about Indian Buddhism in the 16th and 17th centuries. His work "History of Buddhism in India" includes references to Kamarupa, providing additional perspectives on the region’s religious and cultural life.

1. Buddhism in Kamarupa:

o Taranatha highlighted the spread and influence of Buddhism in Kamarupa, especially during Bhaskarvarman’s reign.

o He documented important Buddhist sites and the activities of Buddhist monks and scholars in the region.

2. Monastic Establishments:

o Taranatha mentioned several monasteries and stupas in Kamarupa, indicating a strong monastic tradition.

o Support from local rulers and the community was crucial for these institutions.

3. Interaction with Tibet:

o Taranatha also noted the interactions between Kamarupa and Tibet, emphasizing cultural and religious exchanges.

o Buddhist monks from Kamarupa traveled to Tibet, spreading Buddhist teachings and practices.

Other Foreign Accounts

Other indirect references to Kamarupa can be found in the writings of travelers from neighboring regions.

1. Arab Geographers:

o Arab geographers, like Al-Idrisi in the 12th century, mentioned Kamarupa in their works, highlighting its geographical importance and trade routes.

2. Persian Sources:

o Persian historians and travelers from the Delhi Sultanate period referred to Kamarupa, focusing on its political and military interactions with Islamic rulers of Bengal.

Importance of These Accounts

1. The accounts of foreign travelers provide valuable historical data, filling gaps left by local sources. They offer perspectives on the political, social, and economic conditions of ancient Kamarupa.

2. These narratives highlight cultural and religious exchanges between Kamarupa and other regions, showing its role as a melting pot of diverse influences.

3. The coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism, as documented by travelers like Xuanzang, reflects the region's tradition of religious tolerance.

4. The descriptions of agriculture, trade, and commerce illustrate the economic prosperity of Kamarupa. Its natural resources and strategic location contributed to its wealth and stability.

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