History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c22.3

v1.c22.3

But the case with other Himalayan states, especially Nepal is different. These states were in the first place inhabited by an aboriginal population which is not Indian *i. e.* Dravidian, but which is Mongolian by race and akin to the Tibetans and other people to the north of India. (The Dāmaras of Kashmir appear to be neither Aryan nor Mongolian and we are not quite sure if they are Dravidians. Their race requires to be carefully sifted). The Khasas, the Newars and the Bhotias are distinctly Mongolian by race. Secondly, these states have been entered into by Indo-Aryans only in historical times. Of course only Brahmins and Kshatriyas went there for religious and political purposes and impressed upon the local people their religion and their polity. And thirdly, Nepal has been an amphibious state, sometimes dependent on Tibet or China and sometimes dependent on Indian emperors. Even now Nepal is in this double position. While it entertains a Resident from British India, it still sends some presents to China in token of its vassalage to that empire. Bhotan is entirely Mongolian, it was never subject to India, nor was it ever entered into by the Indo-Aryans. It is, therefore, only as an adjoining state that that state is mentioned in political relations with British India. Nepal is sometimes mentioned in ancient Sanskrit works, but it is not included in the list of Indian kingdoms and is not mentioned in the Mahābhārata or Varāhamihira list of Indian peoples. We will, however, trace the history of Nepal during our period because it was under Indian rulers at this time and of other minor states which were more completely Indian and which lie between Nepal and Kashmir in a note. For this history inscriptions and coins are available as also legendery accounts preserved in Nepal and elsewhere.