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Gyantse town, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
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Gyantse town, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
Gyantse town, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904. The Tibet Expedition was launched from India and sanctioned by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who was concerned over Russian influence and supposed advance toward the border. The expedition eventually gained a number of concessions from Tibet, nominally under Chinese control at the time, but whether the effort was worth the return is certainly up for debate. This album came by direct descent from the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, ADC to the expedition's leader, Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service (Younghusband was accompanied by a strong military escort commanded by Brigadier General James Macdonald). The photographs show various elements of the expedition: military, monasteries, scenery, towns and locals. Date: 1904
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Advance Campaign Capture Gyantse Hayman Hills Journey Lhasa Reportage Tibet Tibetan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases Gyantse town, a historic and culturally rich location in Tibet, as it appeared during the British military expedition to Lhasa in 1904. The expedition, led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service, was launched from India under the auspices of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, with the objective of countering perceived Russian influence and securing concessions from Tibet, then nominally under Chinese control. The album from which this image is sourced is a fascinating firsthand account of the expedition, passed down through the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, who served as ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to Colonel Younghusband. The photographs within the album offer a unique glimpse into the campaign, capturing various aspects of the military, monasteries, scenic landscapes, and local inhabitants. The British military force, accompanied by a strong escort commanded by Brigadier General James Macdonald, encountered stiff resistance from Tibetan defenders, resulting in a series of battles and skirmishes. Ultimately, the expedition was successful in capturing Lhasa and securing several concessions from the Tibetan government. However, the question of whether the expedition's efforts were worth the return remains a topic of debate among historians. This photograph of Gyantse town, with its bustling markets and imposing Dzong fortress, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the complex geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century. The album, a testament to the expedition's history, provides a valuable record of this little-known chapter in the annals of British colonialism and Tibetan history.
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