More than two centuries ago, Nepal and China fought a conflict that changed their relationship for decades. This was the Sino-Nepalese War (1788–1792), which ended with the Treaty of Betrawati. One unusual outcome of that treaty was Nepal’s agreement to send a tribute mission to China every five years, carrying gifts for the Qing Emperor in Beijing.
These missions were far from small gestures. Nepalese delegations traveled with rare animals like elephants and horses, finely crafted ornaments, and traditional products. The journeys involved musicians, interpreters, and officials, turning the tribute into a grand diplomatic event. In return, the Qing court honored the envoys, gave them gifts, and recognized Nepal’s standing in the region.
The practice served three main purposes. First, it acted as a political safeguard, ensuring peace between Nepal, Tibet, and China after years of tension. Second, it created opportunities for trade and cultural contact, as caravans carried not only tribute but also goods for exchange. Third, it set up a regular diplomatic link, keeping Nepal visible at the imperial court.
However, the tradition faded over time. As the Qing dynasty faced internal rebellions and foreign pressures in the 19th century, its ability to enforce the system weakened. Nepal too shifted its priorities, and the costly missions lost importance. The last known tribute was sent in 1865, after which the practice quietly disappeared.
Today, the five-year tribute system is little remembered, but it highlights how Nepal managed its powerful northern neighbor through diplomacy as much as through war. It remains a fascinating chapter in South Asian history, showing how rituals of gift-giving shaped international relations in the 18th and 19th centuries.
