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The Great Game in the Buddhist Himalayas: India and China’s Quest for Strategic Dominance
There is a new 'great game' being played in the Buddhist Himalayas between India, China and Tibet, which makes for a crucial third player. Together, they are leveraging their influence with the Buddhist communities to create strategic dominance, with varying degrees of success.China's 'Buddhist diplomacy' has focused on Nepal and Bhutan, and the Indian Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, which have sizeable Buddhist populations and are vulnerable to this influence. The crisis in Doklam brought into focus what will be one of the most difficult issues to unfold in the Himalayas in India's insufficient ability to deal with China only through the prism of military power.If Xi Jinping, who is known to be working towards a resolution of the Tibet question, succeeds, and the Dalai Lama does indeed return to Tibet, how will it impact Indian interests in the Buddhist Himalayas? If the Tibet issue remains unresolved, how will India and China deal with and leverage the sectarian strife that is likely to intensify in a post-Dalai Lama world?The Great Game in the Buddhist Himalayas includes several unknown insights into the India-China, India-Tibet and China-Tibet relationships. It reads like a geopolitical thriller, taking the reader through the intricacies of reincarnation politics, competing spheres of sacred influence, and monastic and sectarian allegiances that will keep the Himalayas on edge for years to come.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 9, 2020
The Himalayas has always been a hub of politically charged debates—mysterious and shrouded in intricate maze of unclear geography. The game, which is being played for centuries, has escalated in the recent years. To explorers and artisans, the Himalayas, with its formidable yet fragile mountains has not only been a fountain of art but has provided a liberating journey to those sought the path. The fight to win over this mystical land, however, is fought not with guns and shells but with vivacious rush to lure what attracts to the international arena—Tibetan Buddhism.
A former Indian diplomat Phunchok Stobdan on the operating table of the Himalayas dissect the complexities of the geopolitical war in the otherwise, land of the turquoise-manned snow lion. The author implies that what appears to the eye is not to be believed.
Criticised by the Tibetans in exile and few Indians alike for blatant claims, the author, I feel paints a rather desolate picture of the region, in need of a quick resolution, largely over boundaries. Considering the recent border issues between the two giants—India and China—throughout the book I was waiting for the author to say what initially triggered the game fought vigorously while the onlookers decide to take sides and comment according to what is best for their power status. The game played is getting deeper and those who started the game has left physically but their power play still lingers thick in the air, triggering vicious cycles. He beautifully weaved in how the game is played but forgot who started the game. This may mislead others to think that the Himalayas were inherently a sick region.
Tibet and its leader, the Dalai Lama has been portrayed as the nuisance in the Himalayas but every super power in the world has a hand in it. The Tibetans and other Himalayan refugees, therefore, are the ball in the court played in others’ whims and fancies.
Claims on Bhutan
The last Vajrayanist country and the system of reincarnation in the country, known to many was briefly mentioned but inaccurately. The author also confidently writes that the Bhutanese Monarchy was installed by the British. This point is intelligently countered by my friend Benu, in his review: “Sir Ugyen Wangchuck had become a trustworthy friend of the British by then and British must have rejoiced at having a stable leader in a country that enabled their access to Tibet…However, the establishment of monarchy was an indigenous initiative of the Bhutanese people and the British had no direct or circuitous engagement in the process. Mr Stobdan’s handing over to the English the genesis of Bhutanese Monarchy is therefore bot only incredulous but also reflective if the condescending tone we find in some Indian writings about Bhutan. It is unfortunate intellectual aggression.”
The author also played few games of assumption. He detestably said that the British ended the slavery in Bhutan. While the slavery was abolished by the Third King of Bhutan in the 1950s, the British left India by 1947. “It requires a considerable naiveté to suggest that an empire that for hundreds of years had enslaved, traded, massacred, and treated humans as little more than properties actually came all the way from the islands far off in the Europe… proclaimed emancipation in Bhutan,” Benu writes.
A Ladhaki himself, he couldn’t help but from time to time astray into proving the Indian point in the argument. Although there are typological errors and few clumsy sentences, the book is a read to understand geopolitics in the Himalayas but without being radical and assumptive.
A former Indian diplomat Phunchok Stobdan on the operating table of the Himalayas dissect the complexities of the geopolitical war in the otherwise, land of the turquoise-manned snow lion. The author implies that what appears to the eye is not to be believed.
Criticised by the Tibetans in exile and few Indians alike for blatant claims, the author, I feel paints a rather desolate picture of the region, in need of a quick resolution, largely over boundaries. Considering the recent border issues between the two giants—India and China—throughout the book I was waiting for the author to say what initially triggered the game fought vigorously while the onlookers decide to take sides and comment according to what is best for their power status. The game played is getting deeper and those who started the game has left physically but their power play still lingers thick in the air, triggering vicious cycles. He beautifully weaved in how the game is played but forgot who started the game. This may mislead others to think that the Himalayas were inherently a sick region.
Tibet and its leader, the Dalai Lama has been portrayed as the nuisance in the Himalayas but every super power in the world has a hand in it. The Tibetans and other Himalayan refugees, therefore, are the ball in the court played in others’ whims and fancies.
Claims on Bhutan
The last Vajrayanist country and the system of reincarnation in the country, known to many was briefly mentioned but inaccurately. The author also confidently writes that the Bhutanese Monarchy was installed by the British. This point is intelligently countered by my friend Benu, in his review: “Sir Ugyen Wangchuck had become a trustworthy friend of the British by then and British must have rejoiced at having a stable leader in a country that enabled their access to Tibet…However, the establishment of monarchy was an indigenous initiative of the Bhutanese people and the British had no direct or circuitous engagement in the process. Mr Stobdan’s handing over to the English the genesis of Bhutanese Monarchy is therefore bot only incredulous but also reflective if the condescending tone we find in some Indian writings about Bhutan. It is unfortunate intellectual aggression.”
The author also played few games of assumption. He detestably said that the British ended the slavery in Bhutan. While the slavery was abolished by the Third King of Bhutan in the 1950s, the British left India by 1947. “It requires a considerable naiveté to suggest that an empire that for hundreds of years had enslaved, traded, massacred, and treated humans as little more than properties actually came all the way from the islands far off in the Europe… proclaimed emancipation in Bhutan,” Benu writes.
A Ladhaki himself, he couldn’t help but from time to time astray into proving the Indian point in the argument. Although there are typological errors and few clumsy sentences, the book is a read to understand geopolitics in the Himalayas but without being radical and assumptive.
June 30, 2020
Good book which will open up to you a completely new picture of Indo China conflict. Easy read. Must read for people who are interested in geo political scenarios.
June 15, 2020
The book includes several unknown insights into the India-China, India-Tibet and China-Tibet relationships. It was intriguing to read about the intricacies of reincarnation politics, competing spheres of sacred influences and monastic and sectarian allegiances that will keep the Himalayas on edge in the coming years! Great and insightful book!
December 13, 2023
This book is an eye-opener, offering a unique perspective on the India-Tibet relationship and India's policy towards Tibet. However, at times, you may feel bored due to repetitive content, and the author delves into extensive details about Himalayan Buddhist sects. Additionally, some words are challenging to pronounce and understand.
A must-read to comprehend the complexities of the Himalayan region.
A must-read to comprehend the complexities of the Himalayan region.
May 21, 2020
One of the greatest disappointment in reading this year. The book promises a thorough study of the India-China competition over the Himalayan border. History and contemporary events offers so many interesting and various topics which could be explored. Unfortunately the book fails in that regard and it focuses mostly on issue of so called "Tibetan card" policy of Indian government, which means use of Tibetan diaspora represented by Dalai Lama and Tibetan Government in Exile, by Indian foreign policy in order to put pressure on Chinese. Stobdan puts good arguments supporting idea, that this policy is not good for India in long term. Unfortunately this argument is repeated several times in each chapter, feeling that author is actually obsessed with Dalai lama. Book is repetitive in many other ways and real interesting ideas are rare. There are some blatantly put inaccuracies in history interpretation like that the British did install first king of Bhutan to power (king actually used British power to make himslef coronated) or that Dalai lama exile from Tibet was CIA plot (US offered their support but in no way they did force Tibetan uprising and Dalai lama's subsequent flight was totally Tibetan decision).
The book totally lacks on topics of human rights in China and democratic values. These things doesn't seem to mean anything to Stobdan. Also, the book is extremely apologetic for rude and threatening style of Chinese diplomacy, like if Dalai lama's activities in India are sufficient justification for Chinese military adventures like the in Doklam and series of open threats expressed by Chinese officials.
Book fails to give thorough attention to all inaccuracies of McMohan line and gives almost no attention to Nepal - one crucial battleground and player in the game. Very little is dedicated to Bhutan.
Stobdan asserts that Indian foreign policy should drop "Tibetan card" as Dalai lama's establishment can turn pro-Chinese in future. He might be right. Stobdan himself seems turned pro-Chinese already.
The book totally lacks on topics of human rights in China and democratic values. These things doesn't seem to mean anything to Stobdan. Also, the book is extremely apologetic for rude and threatening style of Chinese diplomacy, like if Dalai lama's activities in India are sufficient justification for Chinese military adventures like the in Doklam and series of open threats expressed by Chinese officials.
Book fails to give thorough attention to all inaccuracies of McMohan line and gives almost no attention to Nepal - one crucial battleground and player in the game. Very little is dedicated to Bhutan.
Stobdan asserts that Indian foreign policy should drop "Tibetan card" as Dalai lama's establishment can turn pro-Chinese in future. He might be right. Stobdan himself seems turned pro-Chinese already.
February 27, 2025
I can only say that ‘The Great Game in the Buddhist Himalayas’ is a fascinating book that gave me an entirely different perspective on the situation in the Buddhist Himalayas.
I did not know, for instance, that the Chinese were happy with the Dalai Lama's departure from China to India. Nor was I aware of the nefarious games the CIA played in our part of the world and its role in destabilizing the geopolitical equation in the region. The role that people like BK Mullick, etc., played as ‘CIA moles’ is shocking and forced me to reevaluate my appraisal of these worthy (or not so worthy) gentlemen.
Many people may think Punchok Stobdan’s views are cynical, especially those regarding the Tibetans and the Dalai Lama. However, since there is no contrary evidence, we must consider his views with the seriousness they deserve.
The author clearly explains the differing Chinese and Indian strategic approaches, and he makes the startling assertion that the British approach during the Raj was much more nuanced than India’s today.
The author is critical of the Tibetans, believing their shifting stance often complicates the picture and compromises our strategy.
I was curious to learn about the spread of Taoism and Buddhism in China and how Xi Jinping plans to make China a global Buddhist center. Considering that India is the birthplace of Buddhism, are we missing a huge strategic opportunity?
This book by Punchok Stobdan is excellent, especially for those who wish to study the intricacies of the India-China geopolitical relationship.
I did not know, for instance, that the Chinese were happy with the Dalai Lama's departure from China to India. Nor was I aware of the nefarious games the CIA played in our part of the world and its role in destabilizing the geopolitical equation in the region. The role that people like BK Mullick, etc., played as ‘CIA moles’ is shocking and forced me to reevaluate my appraisal of these worthy (or not so worthy) gentlemen.
Many people may think Punchok Stobdan’s views are cynical, especially those regarding the Tibetans and the Dalai Lama. However, since there is no contrary evidence, we must consider his views with the seriousness they deserve.
The author clearly explains the differing Chinese and Indian strategic approaches, and he makes the startling assertion that the British approach during the Raj was much more nuanced than India’s today.
The author is critical of the Tibetans, believing their shifting stance often complicates the picture and compromises our strategy.
I was curious to learn about the spread of Taoism and Buddhism in China and how Xi Jinping plans to make China a global Buddhist center. Considering that India is the birthplace of Buddhism, are we missing a huge strategic opportunity?
This book by Punchok Stobdan is excellent, especially for those who wish to study the intricacies of the India-China geopolitical relationship.
May 1, 2022
It was very informative about many topics in the Buddhist Himalayas. It gives a fresh perspective on the situation from the perspective of India.
Very interesting to learn these things.
It seems the Gelugpa are more cunning and insidieous than one might expect from the image we see of the Dalai Lama. Of course one may expect some such behaviour in any hierarchy and I shouldn't be altogether surprised.
It seems greater diversity is called for. Like perhaps nyingma and kagyu and others. It's sad to hear gelugpa trying to take over everything. Oh well.
Anyways otherwise it seems the whole China-Tibet-India situation is much more complicated than we've been led to believe.
It may be good for archival, as a fairly impartial recent history of the area.
Very interesting to learn these things.
It seems the Gelugpa are more cunning and insidieous than one might expect from the image we see of the Dalai Lama. Of course one may expect some such behaviour in any hierarchy and I shouldn't be altogether surprised.
It seems greater diversity is called for. Like perhaps nyingma and kagyu and others. It's sad to hear gelugpa trying to take over everything. Oh well.
Anyways otherwise it seems the whole China-Tibet-India situation is much more complicated than we've been led to believe.
It may be good for archival, as a fairly impartial recent history of the area.
February 1, 2023
The interplay of religion and culture in the Himalayas to define the geopolitics has been subtly explained by the writer. Indian foreign policy in the backdrop of changing geopolitics has been found wanting with lack of clarity and has been highlighted to be subservient to the US policy on Tibet. The Tibetisation of the Indian Buddhism especially in the Himalayas and portrayal of Dalai Lama working in counter purpose to India, does give a totally different perceptive but has to be taken with a ‘pinch of a salt’. The conciliatory efforts undertaken by the government of India and China especially after change in the stance by India towards Dalai Lama by Modi government, however needs to be studied in the backdrop of present India China stand off in Eastern Ladhak, as it succeeds the time of writing this book. The diplomatic conundrum which faces India in the coming century post 14th Dalai Lama and the concomitant quagmire for entire Asia is well articulated.
August 13, 2022
This book explains in brief the problems, opportunities, and potential threats of the influence of Buddhism on the Indian Himalayas. It also gives a brief idea of 'The Great Game' being played by China and India, of using Buddhism for diplomacy, politics and governance.
A recommended read for all people interested in the India-China rivalry.
A recommended read for all people interested in the India-China rivalry.
August 3, 2020
It is a good read to understand the history and the intricacies of the India-China relationship. The book sheds a lot of light on the role of Buddhist institutions in shaping the relationship. The book could have covered on what approaches could the countries involved take in much more detail.
June 11, 2025
An unbiased account of Buddhism’s evolution in Himalayas. Gelug and Kagyu sects find equal amount of space in the book, which is rare in today’s times. Must read for all interested in knowing about Buddhism, Tibet & Himalayas
March 29, 2020
A very different perspective on India China in light of current state of budhism in Himalayan. Only book of its subject. Very well researched book.
July 22, 2020
Read a very detailed review of this book in a blogpost
https://sanyasi5.blogspot.com/2020/07...
August 23, 2020
A must read book for those who are interested in politics of Buddhist Himalaya.
April 8, 2023
Masterpiece. A must read for an insight into the Himalayas and its politics.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews