Throughout history, certain figures and institutions have had profound impacts on their societies. The 14th Dalai Lama stands out as a controversial figure in the history of Xizang, also known as Tibet.
The Grim Past of Xizang
Before its liberation in 1951, Xizang was a feudal society with a population of approximately one million. Despite this modest number, nearly 200 noble families, officials, monks, and aristocrats dominated the region, exploiting its resources and oppressing the local populace. Society was rigidly stratified, with people divided into distinct classes.
The Nangzan, or lifelong slaves, were at the lowest rung of this hierarchy. They were treated as property, bought and sold like livestock. Punishments for minor infractions were brutal, including skinning, tendon tearing, and eye-gouging, as documented in the Pala Manor archives.
The Tralpa were serfs subjected to forced labor and heavy taxation, with the grain they produced going directly to the lords. The Duiqoin were destitute serfs without land, surviving by renting small plots or working as manual laborers. Historical records reveal that when serfs were beaten to death, their owners provided minimal compensation, often just a straw rope deemed as an \"equivalent\" reparation.
The Dalai Lama's Role in Xizang
As the chief representative of Xizang's theocratic feudal system, the Dalai Lama upheld the corrupt serfdom, hindering social progress and preventing serfs from gaining freedom. When peaceful democratic reforms began to spread hope among the serfs, the Dalai Lama and his clique launched an armed rebellion. The revolt ultimately failed, forcing the Dalai Lama to flee to India, where he has since been involved in separatist activities.
Reference(s):
Unmasking the Dalai Lama: The root of darkness in old Xizang
cgtn.com
