History
The history of Tibet is long and colorful. There are several distinct time
periods that are divided for easier viewing. Pre-7th Century history includes
the Tibetan story that explains the origin of the Tibetan people, as well as
facts from historical records. 7th – 9th century Tibet saw the introduction
of Buddhism to Tibet from India. This time period coincides with the Tang Dynasty
in China and when Kings ruled Tibet. Famous figures from this era include King
Songtsen Gampo, who married a Nepalese Princess, Bhrikuti, and a Chinese Princess,
Wen-Cheng. They both brought exquisite statues of Shakymuni from their homelands,
which still reside today in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. This time period, saw
the rise of Buddhism and religious conflict with the existing Bon Religion.
After the fall of dynastic rule, a feudal period (10th – 17th century)
began in Tibet. It was during this time that the Dalai Lamas were recognized
(beginning with the 3rd) and rose to power (beginning with the 5th who also
finished the Potala Palace). The rise of the Dalai Lamas correlates with the
emergence of Buddhism as the main religion in Tibet. From the 17th Century to
1911, Tibet was considered a part of China, under the rule of the Qing Dynasty.
There was minimal Chinese military presence, as well as, some officials that
resided in Tibet. It was also during this time, that Tibet had its first contact
with Western military powers when the Young Husband expedition fought its way
to Lhasa in 1904. With the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Tibet began a period
of de facto independence. The 13th Dalai Lama returned from exile in Nepal and
expelled all Chinese living in Tibet and then declared Tibet independent. He
ruled with no interference from the outside world, but due to China’s
claims, Tibet remained a part of China, and thus, this independence was not
internationally recognized. Recent history of Tibet covers His Holiness the
14th Dalai Lama’s lifetime, including China’s re-entry into Tibet
in 1951, the Lhasa uprisings in 1959, and other important events that have helped
shape China’s current policies towards the Tibet Autonomous Region and
other Tibet Autonomous Prefectures.