1450-1750 Absolutism & Empire building Religious wars and reforms Themes: Absolutism & Empire building Religious wars and reforms The Colombian Exchange New World Trade systems and its impact

Emergence of the Geluk School 1370-1642 Critcized moral decline among monks in Central Tibet Advocated strict rules of celibacy and scholarship “system of virtue” 1408 Created Great prayer festival in Lhasa 1409 founded Ganden Monastery Other prominent monasteries founded by disciples in central and western Tibet Tsongkhapa

Sectarian strife As Geluk sect gained support among aristocrats, other sects and King grew suspicious 1498 Geluk monks forbidden from attending Prayer festival 1618 king closes Geluk monasteries and kills many monks Tibetan armor 16-17th century 3

Rise of the yellow hats Sonam Gyatsu invited by Mongol Altan Khan Khan to teach 1578--dalai lama “Ocean of wisdom” title created Khan becomes “the protector of the faith” 1633 Mongol forces execute Tibetan King and give supreme authorty to dalai lama Geluk’s confiscate other sects property and persecute them. 16th century Tibetan sculpture of Sonam Gyatso, Hermitage Museum

The House above the clouds! Tibet unified in 1642 1645 work Potala Palace begins 1682-5th dalai lama dies but his death is hidden for 14 years intrigue and succession issues = instability & outside interference The girl of the market place
And I made that "True Love Knot."
I did not try to untie it,
It untied of its own accord.

Intrigue & succession issues Mongol, Manchu, Dzunghar all interfere in Tibetan politics 6th dalai lama’s scandalous behavior provides excuse for Manchu invasion & also prevent enemy states from gaining influence in Tibet 1720 Emperor Kangxi invades, installs 7th dalai lama Take control of Amdo & eastern Kham Appoint ambans The emperor Kangxi

The Manchu conquest, 1724

First contact with Europeans Jesuits arrive in Tibet legend of “shambala” Jesuits kicked out in 1745 1774 Scots George Bogle introduces potatoes to Tibet 1793 Tibet closed to foreigners