Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.14

v2.c11.14

In history, there are four main channels of Art exchange between India and China ie, Xiyu (Western Regions) channel, Yunnan-Burma channel, South China Sea channel and Tang Dynasty-Tubo (Tibetan regime in ancient China) channel. Xiyu (Western Regions) channel starts from the ancient city – Chang’an (present day Xi’an). With Yangguan and Yumenguan passing westward, along the north and south road of Tarim Basin, via Khotan, Yarkand, Yanqi and Qiuci, over the Pamirs, it enters northwestern India, or connects with Europe. This channel is also called the Silk Road. Xiyu (Western Regions) channel is not only a trade route, but also the main channel of cultural and artistic exchange between India and China. Yunnan-Burma channel starts from Sichuan and Yunnan areas in southwest China, via Burma, leads to Assam and Bangladesh [Figure: (Left) *The torso of a dancing male in limestone, dating back to 3000 BCE, now preserved in the National Museum of India, New Delhi.* (Right) *A dancing female in bronze, dating back to 3000 BCE, now preserved in the National Museum of India, New Delhi.*]