6

When reading about the end of the Tibetan empire, information about the political situation of the area is scarce (most authors focus a lot on the religion).

Basically, who was de facto or de jure in charge of its regions? The buddhist monastic schools?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Maybe I wasnt't too clear, sorry for that. I want to know the political landscape of Tibet at the time. I know there was no single power looming over it, but which were the most influent imperial houses and religious schools?

Improve this question
9
  • 2
    Regional warlords were in charge of their little slices of Tibet. It's not called Era of Fragmentation for no reason.
    – Semaphore ♦
    Nov 20, 2014 at 16:30
  • 1
    Sakya was founded in 1073, amost two hundred years before the capitulation of Tibet to the mongols. With the exception of the Nyingma-Pa (which was apolitical and descentralized), the Sakya-Pa, the Karma-Pa and the Kadam-Pa were involved in politics in 12th century Tibet. Guge and Burang remained as kingdoms well into the 13th century aswell. I find it really hard to find information about the political situation in Tibet because most autheors focus on the religious side of the school leaders. I know Tibet was sparsely populated, but there's literally no info to be found in the usual sources.
    – Firebug
    Nov 21, 2014 at 16:26
  • 1
    @nomadicsquirrel I was writing a bit about it for a project, for which I would need an accurate representation of East Asia and adjacencies in 1130. Basically, I was able to get a detailed description of everything, including governors, revolts and usurpers, but Tibet.
    – Firebug
    Feb 9, 2015 at 15:47
  • 1
    When Nima-gon died around 930AD, Mnah-ris (Ngaris), the Western Tibetan Empire, was divided among his three sons: Pelgyi-gon, the eldest and thus the suzerain over the others, got Manyul (Upper Ladakh), Tashi-gon got Gugé and Purang, and Detsu-gon got Zanskar, Lahul, and Spiti.
    – Firebug
    Feb 9, 2015 at 15:47
  • 1
    Later, Lhachen Utpala (1080-1110), grandson of Pelgyi-gon and the king of Ladakh, vassalized Purig, Purang and Kullu (Lahul-Spiti). Lhachen Nagloka succeeded him (1110-1140) and built the citadel-palaces of Vanala and Khalatse.
    – Firebug
    Feb 9, 2015 at 15:48

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Made my comments into a provisory and partial answer.

In western Tibet it seems the kingdoms of Guge, Purang, Mar-yul, Yar tse and Zanskar were still around by the 11th century. Couldn't find anything from eastern tibet, unfortunately.

When Nima-gon died around 930AD, Mnah-ris (Ngaris), the Western Tibetan Empire, was divided among his three sons: Pelgyi-gon, the eldest and thus the suzerain over the others, got Manyul (Upper Ladakh), Tashi-gon got Gugé and Purang, and Detsu-gon got Zanskar, Lahul, and Spiti.

Later, Lhachen Utpala (1080-1110), grandson of Pelgyi-gon and the king of Ladakh, vassalized Purig, Purang and Kullu (Lahul-Spiti).

You can get most of that info if you follow the timeline in Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.