A propos du Règlement en 29 articles de l'année 1793

Abstract

The analysis of Tibetan and Chinese legislative and administrative documents, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, is of major importance to reach a more objective knowledge of Tibetan history and society. This is all the more true for the 18th century, a period when relations between Tibet and China intensified as the increase of official documents — many of them have been preserved — shows. The 1793 imperial edict known as "The 29 articles Resolution" was an event of momentous importance in Tibetan history. It signalled the end of an evolution in the attitudes of Qing rulers towards Tibet in the 18th century and, at the same time, the acme of their interest in Tibetan lands. Besides political, military or economical measures, the Resolution also includes articles that, according to many commentators, show interferences into the religious sphere. The first article of the Resolution is well-known: it stipulates that the appointment of Tibetan pontiffs will from now be made by drawing lots. Yet, other articles establish as well new modes of control on the pontifical families and on the Tibetan clergy in general. In fact, the relatively tolerant attitude of Qing rulers toward Tibetan Buddhism experienced major evolutions throughout the 18th century, and the encroachments of imperial power tended to multiply in various areas. If the Resolution tries to maintain certain Tibetan particularities, it includes at the same time Tibetan affairs within the general framework of imperial polity, of imperial institutions and State management.