Language of Tibet

Language and Literature in Tibet developed as a literary language from 7 th Centaury onward owing to its contact with places of Khotan. Gilgit, Kasmir, Kula and Nepal, Tibetan adopted the Indian script to suit their own very different language. The literature came into existing between 7th and 13 th Centauries which are translation of Buddhist literature from ancient Sanskrit.

This was produced by Indian Guru’s-scholars and Tibetan translators and Tibetan created a new vocabulary and philosophical terms, done in simple and practical forms. However such manuscripts

The translations of Buddhist literature also inspired followers of earlier Bon religion to write their own teachings and traditions using the new vocabulary.

PEOPLE LIFESTYLE AND FOOD OF TIBET:

There are several social classes among the people of Tibet from cleric, noblemen, merchants, traders, farmers, nomads to outcasts.

Among the clerics there are lamas means superior ones, translated from Sanskrit word as Guru (teacher), earlier teacher were called lamas. The other word ‘Lamaism’ also came in but not appropriate word for Buddhism, however all monks are not lamas.

In the past large number Tibetans adopted religion as profession where each son from the family embraced priesthood. However Tibetans life is interwoven with modernization and urban life where the life style has slightly changed along with years of advance progress, but still retains its glorious culture and way of life as it was hundred of centuries closely attached to its heritage and old traditions.

Food in Tibet usually has two times meals a day morning starts with Tsampa (roasted barley) with cheese, curds with radish pickles, then come noodles with soup known as ‘Thukpa’ (noodle soup) or Momo (dumpling) or Kotay (fried). Momo and Thukpa are common snacks and meals of Tibetans beside Tsampa which they consume mixing with Tibetan tea or yogurt.

The religion Buddhism plays a major role in life of Tibetans, of not killing an animal where an outcast people does the butchering of Yaks-Sheep and goats, Tibetans does not eat much smaller animals of chicken as it is sin to take life of animals and birds for just a mouthful which includes fish as well.

The best quality of rice is also grown in lower parts of Tibet, much are imported from India-China and Nepal, Tibetan rice is served plain boiled or steam.

Tibetans have great range of noodles varieties for Thukpa to Chowmein (fried noodles) as well wheat bread is popular known as Kokum Bhakle (not oily fried) or Yulshang (fried).

The main vegetables consumed by Tibetans are turnips, radishes, spinach, carrots, potatoes and peas as well asparagus, water cress and mushrooms.     

ARTS & CRAFTS OF TIBET:

Arts and crafts are interwoven in the life of Tibetans which is one of main cultural heritage from carpets weaving-amulets-bracelet and jewelry to furniture making with intricate Tibetan classic designs and the main important arts is Thangka painting which is normally done by special Lama or monks in the monastery a form of religious painting like fresco and tapestry.

Large scale of carpet weaving and exporting is carpets made from Yak and Sheep wools and other are wooden Tibetan style furniture and typical Tibetan dress and gowns.

The cottage industry which was very popular in Tibet was making ornaments necklaces, rings, ear rings, bracelets etc. Most of them are made of silver with corals or turquoises. Prayer wheels and singing bowls are also made out of silver-brass and copper.

Other handicrafts range to thunderbolts, charm boxes and musical instruments with some wooden crafts.     

CLIMATE AND BEST SEASON TO TRAVEL:

Anywhere in the world much depends upon the weather and climatic conditions of respective countries of travel, while for Tibet normally with four main seasons Spring-Summer-Autumn (fall) and winter.

As Tibet located behind Himalaya range of mountains which falls under rain shadow area where even in monsoon season of July and August gets only few showers of rains.

The best time to travel in Tibet is from April to October including the wet months of July and August (as Tibet gets few rains even in monsoon times).

However due to its high altitude UV is strong requires sun glasses and sun block, in the sun it will be warm but in the shade gets cool, where light jackets and rain / wind proof are necessary during day time as well.

POLITICAL STATUS IN TIBET:

Tibet an Autonomous state of mainland Republic of China which was annexed in late 1950’s as part of China, the political system lies same as China, but with some restrictions where total population of Tibetans are 96% with 4% of minor tribes of Menpas, Lopas, Denpas and Sherpas.

Chinese population in Tibet approx 200,000 and continues to grow every year due to network of good roads and railways trains connecting Beijing and other parts of China and with air flights.

The upraises of Tibetans has dimmed at present in the past years a heavy riot took places specially in Culture Revolution of mid 1960’s, few political up rise in the 1980’ and 1990’ now Tibet is calm and in peace for travel.

However, carrying pictures of Dalai Lama and any other exiled high Lama and priest is prohibited to carry into Tibet or any other items that might offend the Chinese Government like Free Tibet T-shirt or slogans.  

WORLD HERITAGE AND NATIONAL PARKS:

Tibet with its ancient culture and heritage, still remains as it was since past glorious of beautiful Dzong (forts), palaces and monasteries and rich traditions.

Much of the ancient monuments were destroyed during the culture revolution; however some wonderful monuments have been maintained as it was earlier.

The first world heritage site of Tibet is Potala Palace certainly a work of art and a masterpiece the landmark of Lhasa and Tibet.

The other are Drepung monastery which is older than Potala Palace, where all Dalai resided before Potala palace was built, the Jokhang and Barkor Square are in the list of world heritage sites including Namtso-Yamdrok Tsho and holy Manasarover Lakes.

The National Park protected by Chomolungma National Park of China covers all Himalayan areas of its southern boundaries, Chomolungma is Tibetan name of Mt. Everest, however in Chinese pronounced and spelled as Quolungma  its name for the National Park that runs from Everest to Mt. Shisapangma, with Cho-Oyu areas as well.

Although a desert like country but habitats endangered animals like snow leopard, Wild Yaks, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer and Kang or wild Ass with many different species of bird life including ducks and cranes.