Was Tibet ever a part of India?

Tibet has a complex history involving interactions with various neighboring regions, including India. Historically, Tibet maintained a degree of autonomy and was not directly governed by India. However, there have been periods where Tibetan territories had cultural, religious, and sometimes political ties with parts of what is now India.

India and Tibet shared cultural and religious connections, especially through Buddhism, which spread from India to Tibet around the 7th century CE. Over time, Tibet had relationships with different Indian dynasties and kingdoms, leading to cultural exchanges, trade, and the influence of Indian philosophy and religious thought in Tibet.

There were instances where Tibetan leaders sought support or alliances with various Indian rulers. For example, during certain periods, Tibetan leaders had relationships with different Indian empires, seeking support or forming alliances. However, Tibet remained largely autonomous in its governance.

In modern times, Tibet came under Chinese control in the 20th century, and the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. India provided asylum to the Dalai Lama and many Tibetan refugees, allowing the establishment of Tibetan communities in India, especially in Dharamshala, which has become a center for Tibetan governance-in-exile and culture.

So, while Tibet and India had historical connections and interactions, Tibet was not directly a part of India in a political or administrative sense