Cultures interact in multiple ways, and so ir has been in the shared history of India and Central Asia. Indian motifs move through the art of Central Asia to China; Indian thought evolves through the mediation of Buddhist monks and travels to Bamiyan, site of a 53 meter tall Buddha statue, to Central Asia and then to China. In return, cultural forms like metal working techniques, architectural styles as well as silk weaving travel trom Central Asia to India as does the Islamic religion. Monks pioneered routes that were followed by traders; then the artisans and craftsmen came both in search of new work and to benefit from the prosperity generated by trade. Even conquest played a role, since the conqueror’s booty included masons, metal workers, artists and other artisans.