Thirteenth Dalai Lama And The Border Dispute With Britain

Abstract

According to Shakabpa, the thirteenth Dalai Lama was the most effective of all the Dalai Lamas. This chapter recounts the first twenty years of his life, including his identification and his education. Even while he was still a teenager, the Dalai Lama is said to have mediated border disputes and conflicts among the nobility, launched governmental reforms, and sidestepped a magical assassination attempt authored by his former regent. In all ways, Shakabpa represents the young Dalai Lama as an extraordinary figure. The chapter provides insight into the operation of the Tibetan cabinet and the Dalai Lama's inner circle. Shakabpa also presents a detailed account of Britain's growing influence throughout the Himalayan region, particularly in Bhutan and Sikkim, describing a series of British spies that were sent into Tibet. Likewise, Sikkim became the site of a significant conflict between Tibetan and British forces. Keywords: border dispute; Britain; Dalai Lama