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India and Tajikistan have shared a geo-cultural affinity and a long tradition of historical contacts that date back to antiquity. Notwithstanding the physical barriers of high Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, there existed close socio-economic and cultural ties between the peoples of both countries. These linkages were cemented by the ideological force of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Islam and Sufism; by the influx of Aryans, Sakas, Kushans, Turks, Mughals etc.; by high mobility of statesmen, scholars, spiritualists, artists, craftsman, literati and traders. The movement of people, trade and ideas and the reciprocal cultural influences enriched the horizons of human development and left a deep imprint on the political, economic and social life in the entire region.
The archeological finds in northern India and Tajikistan reveal remarkable parallels in stone and bone tools, pot forms and other artefacts, which suggest a rare intensity of communication across the Himalayas since pre-historic times. Frescoes found in Panjikent and Varakhsha and the discovery of sleeping Buddha in Ajina T epe, testify to the wide diffusion of Indian culture in the region in ancient times. Geographical proximity, ethno-linguistic affinity and shared history have formed the basis of a special relationship between India and Tajikistan. The incorporation of north-western India and Sogdhiana in a single state system under the Kushans, further strengthened the social, economic and political linkages between the two regions. Mutual affinity is determined particularly by the common Indo-Aryan lineage of the Tajik and Indian languages. Even the Tajik President Imamoli Rahmon attaches great importance to the Aryan heritage of the Tajiks being similar to that of Indians. Works of Indian poets Saadi, Amir Khusrao, Bedil, Zebunissa, Ghani Kashmiri and others have had great influence on the Tajik literateurs. Traditions and beliefs of the T ajiks during the period of Avesta bear striking similarity to that of Indians. Whereas the Tajik language belongs to the Indo-Aryan group of languages, Pamiri languages are reported to have affinities with Sanskrit. Indian classic Panchtantra became famous as Kalila Dimini in Tajikistan.
The establishment of Islam in Central Asia and its spread to India in medieval times lent new dimension to the existing ties in the region. Influx of Muslim artisans, traders, Syeds and mercenaries from Central Asia reshaped the geopolitical history of...