Gazing Eastwards : Of Buddhist Monks and Revolutionaries in China by Romila Thapar [Hardcover]

Gazing Eastwards is a vivid and engaging account of Romila Thapar’s first journey to China in 1957 as a research assistant, working on major Buddhist sites. Set in a time of political transition under Mao, the book captures China’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and everyday life before the upheavals of the Cultural Revolution. Thapar’s curiosity drives her explorations across cities, villages, and cultural encounters—from tasting exquisite Chinese cuisine to meeting Chairman Mao and learning traditional music. Her experiences offer readers an insightful, humorous, and intimate glimpse into China’s complex society.