Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description:

Powo (spo bo) is one of the three main regions in Southeastern Tibet, along with Kongpo (kong po) and Dakpo (dwags po). It was settled by the son of Drigum Tsenpo (dri gum btsan po; seventh century), the first historical king of Tibet. The kingdom of Powo was established in the thirteenth century and ruled by the Kanam Gyelpo (kaH gnam rgyal po). Until the early twentieth century Powo maintained an exceptionally high degree of independence from other Tibetan polities and China. Powo is heavily forested and known for its fine horses, honey, and bamboo.

This book is a cultural and political history of Powo. It covers the line of kings; the major monasteries (dgon pa) and sacred places in the region; and Liberation and Liberalization in Powo. It lacks images and maps, and was not well edited for redundancies and clarity of exposition. However, this book contains more than enough information for scholars interested in an overview of Powo's politics and society, and makes for an excellent foundation upon which to write a more detailed and analytical history of the kingdom. It is especially strong on the history of Powo in the twentieth century. (Jann Ronis 2005-02-12)

Composition Date Note (western/international date): The preface bears this date.