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Tibetans playing polo, 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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Tibetans playing polo, 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
Tibetans playing polo, 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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Media ID 32265730
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Advance Campaign Capture Hayman Horseback Journey Lhasa Polo Reportage Tibet Tibetan Tibetans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, Tibetan players engage in the ancient sport of polo against the backdrop of the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. This image is taken from an intriguing album that offers a unique insight into a little-known campaign in world history: the British expedition to Tibet in 1904. The Tibet Expedition was launched from India under the orders of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who was apprehensive about the perceived Russian influence and advancement toward the border. The expedition, led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service, eventually secured a series of concessions from Tibet, which was nominally under Chinese control at the time. However, the question of whether the effort was worth the return remains a subject of debate. This album, which has been passed down through the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, ADC to Colonel Younghusband, provides a fascinating glimpse into the expedition. The photographs within the album show various aspects of the expedition, including military scenes, monasteries, scenic vistas, and local inhabitants. Captured in this photograph, Tibetans play polo with an intensity and focus that speaks to the rich cultural traditions of the region. The game, which has its origins in Central Asia, has long been a part of Tibetan life, and the players' skill and determination are evident as they maneuver their horses and mallets in a spirited attempt to score goals. The album's images offer a rare and captivating window into a time when the British Empire expanded its reach into the far corners of the world, and the game of polo serves as a reminder of the enduring connections between cultures, even in the midst of political and military conflict.
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