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View of the town of Gyantse, with the Dzong (fortified monastery) at the top of the hill, 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
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View of the town of Gyantse, with the Dzong (fortified monastery) at the top of the hill, 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
View of the town of Gyantse, with the Dzong (fortified monastery) at the top of the hill, 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 32265770
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Advance Campaign Capture Dzong Fortified Gyantse Hayman Journey Lhasa Monastery Reportage Tibet Tibetan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1904, offers a breathtaking view of the town of Gyantse in Tibet, with the imposing Dzong (fortified monastery) perched atop the hill. The scene is a remarkable image from an intriguing album that provides new insights into a little-known campaign: the British military expedition to capture Lhasa. Led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service, the Tibet Expedition was launched from India under the auspices of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, in response to growing concerns over Russian influence and perceived advances toward the border. The expedition eventually resulted in a number of concessions from Tibet, then nominally under Chinese control. This album, which has been passed down through the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, who served as ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to Younghusband, offers a unique perspective on the expedition. The photographs within the album depict various aspects of the campaign, including military scenes, monasteries, scenic vistas, and local populations. The image of Gyantse showcases the strategic importance of the town, with its fortified monastery serving as a key defensive position. The British forces, led by Brigadier General James Macdonald, faced stiff resistance from Tibetan defenders during the campaign. The success of the expedition and its long-term significance are still debated among historians. This photograph, with its rich historical context, offers a glimpse into a fascinating moment in time, when the balance of power in the region was shifting and the world was on the brink of significant change.
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