Zhangzhung facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kingdom of Zhangzhung
Xangxung ཞང་ཞུང་
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| c. 500 BC–625 AD | |||||||||
| Capital | Kyunglung | ||||||||
| Common languages | Zhangzhung language | ||||||||
| Religion | Bön | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| Brtsanpo | |||||||||
| History | |||||||||
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• Established
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c. 500 BC | ||||||||
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• Conquest of Songtsen Gampo
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625 AD | ||||||||
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| Today part of | China India Nepal |
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The Zhangzhung (pronounced Shangshung) was an ancient kingdom. It existed in parts of what are now western China (Tibet) and northern India. This kingdom was important before the 7th century. Its people followed the Bon religion. Sometimes, they were called Bonpo. The Bon religion had a big impact on Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. Many old Tibetan writings say that the Zhangzhung were the first rulers of central and western Tibet.
We are still learning a lot about this ancient kingdom.
Contents
Where was the Zhangzhung Kingdom Located?
The Zhangzhung kingdom was made up of three main areas:
- sGob-ba: This was the outer part. It stretched across Western Tibet. It went from Gilgit in the west to Dangs-ra khyung-rdzong in the east. This eastern part was near Lake gNam-mtsho. To the north, it reached Khotan in Xinjiang. To the south, it went to Chu-mig brgyad-cu rtsa-gnyis.
- Phug-pa: This was the inner part. It is believed to be sTag-gzig (Tazig). This area is often thought to be Bactria in Central Asia.
- Bar-ba: This was the middle part. Its exact location is still unknown.
The Zhangzhung kingdom was independent. It covered all of Western Tibet. Its capital city was Khyunglung. This name means "Silver Palace of Garuda". The capital was located southwest of Mount Kailash. Palaces from this kingdom have been found in the upper Sutlej Valley.
What is the History of Zhangzhung?
Early Discoveries from the Iron Age
Scientists have found ancient iron objects. They dug these up on the Changthang plateau. These iron items might have belonged to the Zhangzhung people. This suggests they lived there during the Iron Age.
How Tibet Became United
Old Chinese records, called the Tang Annals, tell us about the Zhangzhung. They say that the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo conquered and united the Zhangzhung. In the year 634, the Yangtong (which was another name for Zhangzhung) and other groups joined him. Emperor Gampo then worked with the Yangtong. Together, they defeated the 'Azha or Tuyuhun people. They also conquered two more groups.
After these victories, Gampo sent a large army. It had over 200,000 soldiers. He used this army to threaten Songzhou in China. He then sent gifts of gold and silk to the Chinese emperor. He wanted to marry a Chinese princess. At first, the Chinese Emperor Gaozong of Tang said no. So, Gampo attacked Songzhou. But Gampo later gave up and said sorry. After that, the emperor allowed him to marry Princess Wencheng.
What Language Did Zhangzhung People Speak?
We have some old Zhangzhung writings. There are also bilingual documents from the 11th century. These documents are written in both Zhangzhung and Tibetan. The Zhangzhung language was related to Kinnauri. Kinnauri is a Sino–Tibetan language.
Followers of the Bon religion say that the Tibetan alphabet came from the Zhangzhung alphabet. However, most other Tibetan texts disagree. They say that the Tibetan writing system came from a script used in North India.
Today, about 2,000 people in India speak a language also called Kinnauri. It is pronounced Jangshung. They live in the Sutlej Valley in Himachal Pradesh. These people believe they are descendants of the ancient Zhangzhung.
How Did Zhangzhung Influence India?
The Bon religion was started by a person named Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche. He was like a Buddha. Tonpa's teachings are very similar to those of Gautama Buddha. Bonpos believe that Tonpa lived 18,000 years ago. They say he visited Tibet from a place called Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring. This place might be modern Tajikistan or Shambhala.
The Bonpo also believe that Tonpa's teachings reached the Indian subcontinent. They think his ideas helped to develop the Vedic religion, which is now known as Hinduism.
One example of this connection is Mount Kailash. This mountain was very important to the Zhangzhung culture. It is also the most sacred mountain for Hindus. Because of this, Bonpos claim that Hinduism got its start from Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche.
