The First Tulku-Regents of Tibet and their Role in Governing the Country

Abstract

Goals and materials of the research.  The article investigates Qing sources and studies the personalities of three tulku-regents (Demo Tulku Jampel Geleg, Tsemoling Tulku Ngavang Tsültrim, Tatsak Tulku Yeshe Gonpo) considered to have played great  roles in the management of Tibet in the mid-to-late 18th  and early 19th centuries. Examining the origins of the regency in Tibet, the study aims to identify the main reasons for the restoration of this position in the new status (tulku) during the heyday of Qing Administration; characterize features of the position of the first tulku regents in the government, as well as assess their role in the management of Tibet. Conclusion. The analysis of the historical facts relating to activities of the three representatives of the regency institute and their functions within the government concludes that desrids and regents had gained exceptional position since 1642. The desrid under the 5th Dalai Lama became not only the head of the civil and political administration but also a personal adviser, not even being a tulku. The regent whose status was established by law was selected by the Dalai Lama or by the Khoshut khan. The Qing Government functioned within the frame of the mentioned categories and with due regard to peculiarities of the structure and administration of the Tibetan Government. Presumably inspired by the Emperor, the tulku-regency institute became the guide of the Qing’s influence in Tibet, on the one hand; and on the other hand, it restored and reinforced the importance of the regent in general in the Dalai Lama’s government, the regent’s role in making decisions regarding search, enthronement and maintenance of the Tibetan hierarch’s power.