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The Life and Times of George Tsarong of Tibet: 1920-1970

Dan Bell

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Published in The Life And Times Of George Tsarong Of Tibet 1920 1970: A Lord Of The Traditional Tibetan State (Studies In Modern Tibetan Culture)

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George Tsarong was a Tibetan military commander and politician who played a significant role in the history of Tibet during the 20th century. He was born in 1920 in the village of Tsarong, in the Kham region of eastern Tibet. His father was a local chieftain, and his mother was a member of the aristocratic Gongkar family.

The Life and Times of George Tsarong of Tibet, 1920–1970: A Lord of the Traditional Tibetan State (Studies in Modern Tibetan Culture)

by Cida Costa

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Language	:	English
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Tsarong received a traditional Tibetan education, and he showed an early interest in military affairs. In 1936, he joined the Tibetan army, and he quickly rose through the ranks. By the early 1940s, he was one of the most senior military commanders in Tibet.

In 1949, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) invaded Tibet. Tsarong led the Tibetan resistance to the PLA, but he was eventually forced to retreat to India. He lived in exile in India for several years, and he continued to be a vocal critic of the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

In 1959, Tsarong returned to Tibet, and he was appointed as the Minister of Defense. He served in this position for several years, and he played a key role in the modernization of the Tibetan army. He also helped to establish the Tibetan Special Frontier Force, which was a paramilitary force that was trained by the United States.

In 1965, Tsarong was appointed as the Prime Minister of Tibet. He served in this position for five years, and he oversaw a period of significant economic and social development in Tibet. He also played a key role in the negotiations with the Chinese government, which led to the signing of the Seventeen Point Agreement in 1951.

Tsarong resigned as Prime Minister in 1970, and he retired from public life. He died in Lhasa in 1999.

Legacy

George Tsarong was one of the most influential figures in Tibetan history. He was a skilled military commander, a wise politician, and a dedicated patriot. He played a key role in the modernization of Tibet, and he helped to preserve Tibetan culture and identity during a time of great turmoil.

Tsarong's legacy is still alive today. He is remembered as a hero by the Tibetan people, and he is still revered by many Tibetans as a symbol of Tibetan independence.