Explore the Ancient Kucha: Connection Between Commerce and Buddhism

The Kizil caves, an archaeological site located in Kucha around the Tarim basin in Xinjiang, is a representation of Buddhist practice along the Silk Road. Many studies have been carried out on the art style and history of the mural paintings in Kizil caves, claiming a close connection with Central Asia and inner China. However, few scholars have researched its link with the commercial practices on the Silk Road, which greatly influenced and shaped the power and pattern of the Kucha kingdom. This article aims to study the relationship between Buddhism and commerce in ancient Kucha, diving deep into the mural paintings of the Kizil caves and their indications to commerce and goods along the Silk Road. This essay uses two caves as examples to support its argument, compares them with ruins and textual material in other regions, and obtains a deeper understanding of the commercial and religious practices in Kucha during the Sui and Tang dynasties.