Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.27

v2.c13.27

The western route served as one of the most important channels of political contact between the various kingdoms of ancient India and China. It also served as a crucial route for trade and the transmission of scientific technology. Thirdly, the spiritual and cultural intercourse between India and China was also heavily dependent on this particular channel of communication. Most Indian monks travelling to China and Chinese monks proceeding to India used this route. However, a major problem with this route was that it was liable to disruption due to political turbulence, although between the 4ᵗʰ and 5ᵗʰ century CE, it remained relatively unobstructed.