Kingdom of Khotan
The Kingdom of Khotan is an ancient Buddhist kingdom that was located on the branch of the Silk road that ran along the southern edge of the Taklamakan desert in the Tarim basin. (The area lies in present day Xinjiang, China).
Capital
The ancient city of Khotan was the capital, now known by its modern Chinese name Hetian (pinyin; 和田. Also romanized Hoton, Khoton). Built on an oasis, its mulberry groves allowed the production and export of silk and silk rugs, in addition to the city's other products such as jade and pottery.
Culture
The kingdom became one of the major centers of Buddhism, and is primarily associated with the Mahayana branch. In differed in this respect to Kucha, a Shravakayana-dominated kingdom on the opposite side of the desert. Many foreign languages, including Chinese, Sanskrit and Tibetan, were used in cultural exchange.
Kings
History
- 78: Ban Chao a Chinese General subdues the kingdom.
- 632: Pays hommage to China, becomes a vassal state.
- 670: Tibet invades and conquers Khoton (now know as one of the "four garrisons").
- 694: China under Wu Zetian reconquers the Kingdom from Tibet. Khotan is made a protectorate.
Neighbors
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