ashwani singh

Author in this book has attempted to present interaction of politics & culture on the Buddhist Himalayas. The author while iden various convergence pts in the region has incorporated multifaceted Tibetan variables that have an impact on India. Book’s endeavours to iden critical pts that drive & merit consideration for formulation of Indian policy towards start Himalayan Region. The author elaborates the complexities of the Buddhist Himalayas. The interplay betn religion & politics, the sectarian divides, historical turning / rift pts & the Himalayan linkages with Tibet from a geopolitical perspective. The book dwells into analyzing the conflicting cultural interests that are linked to the geopolitical interests of both India & China. The preface has categorically listed the scope of books which suggests how Buddhism could become a basis for creating understanding of strat diplomacy. The Indo-China bdy dispute is incomplete without Tibet. The book examines the Tibetan component in light of culture affiliations & political compulsions while negotiating bdy agreements with China. The book is arng into 16 chapters. The chapters are arng in a logical sequence for a methodological understanding of the contents. The Great Game starts with the very essential detls on Buddhism. It introduces the reader with various aspects of Buddhism. The first chapter briefly but adequately describes various forms of Buddhism. It elaborates the key aspects of the different sects of Buddhism practiced in different regions of Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim & Tawang. The interplay & interactions among these various sects is an essential ingredient to understand the mechanics of the Great Game that is being infolded in the Himalayas. The book then illustrates the Indian Himalayan Frontiers in chapter two. It presents the British perspective of the Himalayan Frontiers. The chapter brings into content the British protectorates of Nepal, Sikkim & Bhutan for fixing bdy with these places. Graduating further the chapters three & four describe the strat adopted by the British during their rules. Chapter five & six provides insight into the India foreign policy imdt post indep. The chapter reflects on the involvement of USA (CIA) in the entire game of Tibet & its subsequent influence over Indian foreign policy on Tibet. Chapters seven & nine highlight the imp of Tawang & elucidates on the ‘Tawang Card’ in the bdy settlement process betn India & China. The book simultaneously integrates the cultural intricate with the political ideologies among the trio of India - China - Tibet. Mr Stobdan feels in the current situation, India seems to lacks sufficient wherewithal to understand the critical interplay between Buddhism & the Himalayas, & this has weighed heavily on the minds of the Dalai Lama & his government-in-exile. The chapter 10-12 presents the narrative of China’s game plan. Water diplomacy & the ques of ‘Neat Dalia Lama’. Mr Stobdan terms India's Tibet policy as "flawed" & claims this may have already strengthened the Chinese posn. The books contending chapters from 13 - 16 provide the readers with critical convergence / divergence pts to be considered in the geopolitical scenario of India, China & Tibet.