AMSHUVARMA

(663BS-678 BS) Renowned as a great king of ancient Nepal, Anshuvarma was also a great patron of art, science and literature. Learned and wise himself, he inspired and honoured talented people. Art and culture of Nepal flourished in his time. As a shrewd statesman, he dealt with his mighty neighbours of those days namely Tibet and India. Tibet in his time was under the reign of Tsrong Tsang Gampo, a charismatic monarch of the times who brought about remarkable developments in Tibet in many fields including economic, social and religious transformation. India was under the reign of another eminent monarch Harshavardhan who consolidated his reign and initiated reformatory performances. King Amshuvarma’s daughter Bhrikuti was given in marriage to Tsrong Tsang Gampo who at her behest spread Buddhism in Tibet and subsequently to China. Bhrikuti was later known as Harita Tara or the Green Star, a true star character in the history, politics and in the texts of Buddhism. Through her talents, behaviour and dealings, King Ansuvarma became successful in consolidating Nepal’s relationship with Tibet and China through the pages of history.