Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c5.s1.16

v1.c5.s1.16

The section on the *Biography of the Western Regions* in the *Wei Shu* mentions that India produced “mani beads (cintamani) and coral”, and that some places “produce gold, white sandalwood, jaggery and grapes.” “Tribute” from Indian envoys included horses, black camels, gold, silver, etc., and silk fabrics were the main exports from China. The reference to envoys Dong Wan and Gao Ming going to the Western Regions bearing silk in the Taiyan period (435-440 CE), in *juan* 102 of the *Wei Shu*, indicated that silk was an important part of the gifts sent by Chinese emperors.