Which medieval monastic establishment founded in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh played a pivotal role in the religious, political, and cultural history of the area during the 17th century?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Tawang Monastery, founded in 1680-1681 CE by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance with the wishes of the fifth Dalai Lama, is the largest monastery in India and a historic center of Gelugpa Buddhism. It exerted profound administrative and spiritual influence over the Monpa and surrounding communities throughout the medieval period. Rumtek is located in Sikkim, Hemis in Ladakh, and Key in Himachal Pradesh. The monastery houses invaluable ancient scriptures, thangkas, and religious artifacts testifying to centuries of Tibetan Buddhist heritage in Arunachal Pradesh.