Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s3.t2.8

v2.c11.s3.t2.8

Lyrics of *Cīna-Rāja-Vijaya-Gītā* are available in two versions. The lyrics recorded in *Old Books of Tang* and the *Collection of Yuefu Poems* as "Warriors receive the order of emperor to fight against enemies. They bid farewell to the emperor and set foot on a journey to the battlefield." *Cīna-Rāja-Vijaya-Gītā* is sung by everyone to celebrate success. The lyrics are short and simple, and should be the folk version of *Cīna-Rāja-Vijaya-Gītā* and its main character may not be Prince Qin (Emperor Taizong) and more like a general or solider who was telling a story. This is probably why Emperor Taizong ordered Wei Zheng to change the lyrics after he decided to use it as a tool to enhance his authority.