As the title suggests, in its 232 pages the book packs a lot of information, historical and contemporary, with a result that the focus is not on any particular subject. However, the size of the book belies the information within its covers. Divided into two parts, the collection of selected essays deals with history, culture and international relations in the first part and with economy, business and a comparative focus in the second part. The book assumes importance as in the last two decades India and China have established themselves as potential economic super powers. And yet, as the editors note rightly, Indo-China relations have been uneven. Deep hostility witnessed in the 1960s gave way to a closer relationship after the collapse of the erstwhile U.S.S.R. but there has always been some reservation.
Profound influence
While dealing with historical issues of two ancient civilisations, the focus is on the profound influence one has had on the other not only culturally, but also on sustainable economic development. The writers focus on urban development in these two nations, which are at once comparable and contrasting.
In a well-analysed article on Indus Civilisation and ancient Shu civilization, Zou Yiqing compares the ancient cities of the Indus Valley and Shu area and draws some interesting conclusions. Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were 400 km apart and yet had similar construction. Built in 2600 BCE, the cities had apparently no difference in social stratification and showed characteristics of a chiefdom society, whereas the ancient city of Sanxingdui in Shu area had profound class differentiation as seen from the structure of the residences. The author says high walls and deep trenches are indicative of class conflict. However, in Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, the amenities available like bath etc., among the houses show the difference in the lifestyle of the rich and poor.
Analysing the international cultural exchanges of the two civilisations, the author notes that while the Indus Valley civilisation showed that it had contact with many regions, but mostly Mesopotamia, the Shu civilisation in southwest China maintained close ties with a larger area through its southern Silk Road.
Duan Yu takes the discussion forward in his Unfolding the Westerly Transmission of Chinese Silk, pointing out that this route was an important line in westerly transmission of Chinese silk through India and Afghanistan to Europe, and that Shu merchants from China were the earliest to engage in commercial activities in India. This naturally fostered a relation between these two major civilisations.
Similarities, differences
Detailing China and India’s cultural differences, Xiang Baoyun says while Chinese culture has been unitary, unaffected by foreign cultures for several centuries, India developed due to its multi-cultural framework and closer links with many foreign countries. However, he points out that while Chinese culture paid attention to worldly happiness, Indian culture harped on renunciation and belief in afterlife. The writer offers statistics to convey the impact on tourism due to cultural differences in these two countries. He concludes that tourism through cross-cultural awareness will continue to promote business opportunities between these two economic majors. He says better communication between the countries and cultural events to showcase their cooperation would strengthen political, economical and cultural relations.
Out of tune
In his essay, India, China and beyond, Sanjay Mukherjee explains Rabindranath Tagore’s role in building a better relationship between India and China. By harping on the personal contribution of Tagore in Indo-China relations, this essay is slightly out of tune with the theme of the book.
China and India, cultural and religious exchanges in the 15th century by Huang Weimin concludes that though the exchange between India and China was not a successful two-way choice, it enriched the pattern of manifestation and spiritual connotation of the cultures of these two countries. Historically, merchant guilds of India played an important role in trade between these countries during that period as seen from the Quanzhou inscription, but the author has not mentioned the guilds.
Cultural power house
Should China learn from India on how to become a soft power on culture? In her essay, Jian Li explains India’s resources for development of a cultural soft power effectively. The unique values of Indian culture are harmony, spirituality and inclusiveness. Its religious diversity and traditional values make it possible to tackle global problems as well, she argues. She particularly mentions the role of non-resident Indians and their contribution to India’s development, concluding that China can get an overview from India on how to promote itself too as a cultural soft power.
The other chapters of the first and second part provide resourceful information on trade, economy, cooperation and competition under the present scenario with strong arguments about regional inequality in the post-globalisation era due to a market-driven economy.
While the effort boosted growth, it was at the expense of regional inequality. A little more on south India-China relations would have been welcome.
