Editing Wu Zetian (section)

=== Indian influences ===
According to [[William Dalrymple]], Wu used Buddhist texts brought from [[Nalanda mahavihara|Nalanda University]] by [[Xuanzang]] to legitimise her rule, and her reign resulted in a substantial importation of Indian ideas. Under her, Buddhism became a state religion, and slaughter of animals was strictly prohibited. Wu also implemented several Indian principles, such as those of the [[Ashokan edict|Ashokan edicts]], into the governance of her empire, and had many Indians become part of the royal court, including faith healers and astrologers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-09 |title=China's only empress rose from harem to throne, used Buddhism to capture power |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-empress-wu-zetian-rose-from-harem-throne-buddhism-nalanda-tang-zhou-dynasty-william-dalrymple-book-2596457-2024-09-09 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lakshmi |first=Rama |date=2024-03-08 |title=Silk Route talk irritates Dalrymple. His new book says India, not China, ruled trade, ideas |url=https://theprint.in/feature/around-town/silk-route-talk-irritates-dalrymple-his-new-book-says-india-not-china-ruled-trade-ideas/1992912/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |quote="By the 7th century, briefly, Buddhism becomes the state religion of China. It was an Indian takeover. A whole cast of characters – not just politicians, but astronomers and mathematicians – take over the court in China."}}</ref>