Chiefdom of Lithang explained

Native Name:ལི་ཐང་
Conventional Long Name:Chiefdom of Lithang
Common Name:Chiefdom of Lithang
Status:Chiefdom under the Chinese Tusi system
Year Start:1719
Year End:1906
P1:Khoshut Khanate
S1:Qing dynasty
Capital:Lithang
Common Languages:Khams Tibetan
Title Leader:chieftain
Leader1:Le An Bang (first)
Year Leader1:1719–17??
Leader2:Sonam Dradul (last)
Year Leader2:18??–1906
Title Deputy:vice chieftain
Deputy1:Chokyi Gyatso (first)
Year Deputy1:1719-17??
Deputy2:Atra (last)
Year Deputy2:18??-1906
Today:China

Chiefdom of Lithang, or Chiefdom of Litang, was an autonomous Tusi chiefdom that ruled Litang (present day Litang County of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) during the Qing dynasty period. Lithang, Bathang, Chakla and Derge were called the "Four Great Native Chiefdoms in Kham" (康区四大土司) by the Chinese.[1]

At first Lithang was ruled by the Khoshut Khanate. Lamas of Lithang Monastery were appointed the desi (governor) to govern the region.[2] In 1719, a Chinese army under Yue Zhongqi marched to conquer Tibet, and the Lithang Lama surrendered to the Chinese. The 7th Dalai Lama's stepfather was appointed chieftain by China; Lithang Lama was appointed the vice chieftain. In 1725, Lithang was separated from Tibet. From then on, it was under the jurisdiction of Sichuan.[1]

Lithang revolted against Qing China in 1905. However, the rebellion was soon put down by Zhao Erfeng.[3]

Notes and References

  1. https://archive.today/20150813033843/http://www.gzz.gov.cn/10000/10027/10039/10441846.shtml 清王朝敕封的康区土司
  2. News: 林俊华. 康巴四大土司之理塘土司. 2015-08-05. 四川民族学院校报. 第四期(总第211期). 2014-06-10.
  3. Book: Sources of Tibetan Tradition. Kurtis R.. Schaeffer. Matthew. Kapstein. Gray. Tuttle. illustrated. 2013. Columbia University Press. xxxvi. 978-0231135986. 24 April 2014.