Ancient history sparks chords of relatability; Mamallapuram decks up for India-China informal summit

Chennai, October 10: Tamil Nadu’s ancient city of Mamallapuram is readying for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Second Informal Summit from October 11-12. In between this, history has opened its pages which speak about the mighty Pallavas, whose flourishing seaport was Mamallapuram for a long time, had a relationship with China and had even sent envoys there during their rule.

 

History says that a flourishing port till about the end of the 9th century, Mamallapuram was an integral part of the 'Silk Route' and 'Spices Route' of ancient China and India respectively.

It is also believed that the thriving silk industry in Kanchipuram was first established by the Pallavas, who imported silk from ancient China and developed industry in their own kingdom.

Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kancheepuram in the 7th century during the Pallava era, is the 'match-maker' between India and China.

The links between Mamallapuram and China add much significance to the next week's high-profile meeting between leaders of the two countries.

Ahead of this week’s Indo-China summit in Mamallapuram, workers try hard to spruce up the 1,000-year-old Pallava era monuments for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to pay a visit.

Statues are being put up in key locations. Buddha and the fighting bulls, which is a pointer to Tamil Nadu's ancient tradition of Jallikattu, are among the sculptures which will be featured in Mamallapuram.