A feature by Nikita Singh
In the wake of recent clashes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, a new dimension to the age-old conflict is emerging. While military tensions seem to have stabilized, a different form of warfare, termed ‘history warfare,’ is on the horizon as China attempts to rewrite historical narratives, claiming ancient territories as its own.
Despite the external affairs minister’s insistence that relations are ‘not normal,’ the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, assures the public that the situation on the border is ‘stable, yet sensitive.’ However, recent incidents point to China’s attempts to open new fronts, not on the battlefield but through what is now being called ‘frontier archaeology.’
The Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, recently reported significant archaeological projects in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet, aiming to depict these regions as historically Chinese. The term ‘frontier archaeology’ has been coined to describe the exploration of areas far beyond the traditional boundaries of the Middle Kingdom.
The latest symposium in Beijing, focused on ‘frontier archaeology,’ aimed to highlight the unique value of excavations in depicting ancient China’s exchanges with other cultures. Chinese experts assert that archaeological projects in Xinjiang and other regions contribute greatly to the understanding of China’s frontier history.
The political nature of these endeavors is evident as China extends its archaeological landscape to regions like Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet, where excavations suggest early human migration and adaptation, reinforcing the narrative that these areas have always been under Chinese influence.
This form of ‘history warfare’ serves a strategic purpose, as it aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to showcase historical connections along the proposed routes.
On the Indian side, there has been a recent pushback against this narrative. A study reported by The Times of India asserts that Ladakh’s genetic heritage is more aligned with India and Tibet than China. The research, led by experts from Banaras Hindu University, challenges the notion that Ladakh has always been part of the Chinese domain.
Additionally, efforts to explore the region’s past, such as the Trans-Himalayan archeology project, aim to provide a counter-narrative. Archaeologists highlight the need to investigate ancient kingdoms like Zhangzhung, which could reveal historical connections between northern India, the Tibetan plateau, and Central Asia, minimizing China’s claims.
While military tensions may be simmering down, the battleground has shifted to a historical one. As China attempts to rewrite the narrative of ancient territories, India must invest in its own historical research to counter these claims effectively. The struggle for control is no longer confined to the present; it extends into the depths of history, where both nations seek to establish their roots and legitimacy.