Ritual as History in Tibetan Divine Kingship: Notes on the Myth of the Khotanese Monks By Martin A Mills

https://www.academia.edu/78393323/Ritual_as_History_in_Tibetan_Divine_Kingship_Notes_on_the_Myth_of_the_Khotanese_Monks?nav_from=695f5520-48fc-468a-affe-6a776fb29e1f This article explores the historical and textual developments surrounding divine kingship in Tibet, particularly focusing on the legendary figure of Songtsen Gampo and the narrative of his encounters with Khotanese monks. It critiques previous anthropological literature on divine kingship, highlighting the importance of understanding the post hoc presentations of divinity and myth-making in Tibetan historiography. By examining these interactions, the paper seeks to illuminate how the concept of kingship has been ritualized and maintained throughout Tibetan history, suggesting that the legacy of divine kingship remains deeply intertwined with the region's cultural identity.