Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.25

v2.c14.25

In Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang (reigned 605-618 CE) sent Wei Jie and Du Xingman to Western Regions. They went to India and obtained Buddhist *sutras*, agate cups and other materials. In Tang Dynasty, more official contacts with India were recorded. India sent a great number of envoys to China, and the Tang empire also sent numerous missions. For instance, according to Xi Rong Zhuan of *Jiu Tang Shu* (*Old Book of Tang Dynasty*) in the 15^th year of Zhen Guan Era (641 CE), Siladitya (ie King Harsha, see *Siladitya*), who called himself King of Magadha (present-day Bihar), sent envoys to pay gifts. Emperor Taizong (reigned 627-649 CE) in return gave an imperial jade seal and an edict. Upon receiving the edict, Siladitya again sent envoys, who came a long way and were courteously received. Emperor Taizong sent Li Yibiao (see *Li Yibiao*) as the envoy and Wang Xuance (see *Wang Xuance*) as the deputy envoy to pay a return visit and express his gratitude.