Professor Tansen Sen is a renowned historian of India–China relations and Asian interconnections. He is Professor of History at NYU Shanghai and Director of the Center for Global Asia. His research spans Sino-Indian interactions, Buddhism across Asia, and maritime networks that shaped the region’s history.
He is the author of Buddhism, Diplomacy, and Trade: The Realignment of Sino-Indian Relations, 600–1400 and India, China, and the World: A Connected History, both foundational works in the study of Asia’s past and its global links. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading historians in Sino-Indian relations.
TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Trailer
00:53 – The Importance of India-China Relations
02:46 – Understanding Pre-Modern Interactions
08:26 – How Xuan Zang Brought Buddhism To China
12:21 – The Sinicisation of Buddhism
19:34 – How Sinicisation Works Today
22:49 – How Was Nalanda University Like?
26:23 – Why Does It Look Like India Influenced China More?
30:07 – Impact of India and China on The World
32:22 – Colonial Impact on India-China Relations
39:32 – The Birth of Nation States and Historical Narratives
41:37 – Border Issues and Trust Deficits
45:24 – Flashpoints of Distrust Since Independence
52:42 – Pathways to Improved Relations
59:19 – Advice For A Fresh Graduate
This is the 52nd episode of The Front Row Podcast.
Full transcripts can be found here:
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