From Tibet Confidentially - Secret Correspondence of 13th Dalai Lama to Agvan Dorzhiev, 1911-1925

Introduction, Translation and Commentary: Jampa Samten and Nikolay Tsyrempilov
Publisher: Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Place of Publication: Dharamsala, India
Year: 2012
Language: English and Tibetan
Pages: 183
ISBN-10: 93-80359-49-7
ISBN-13: 978-93-80359-49-6

Description

From Tibet Confidentially presents 24 historically important letters sent to Agvan Dorzhiev, the influential Buryat-Mongol Buddhist scholar, diplomat and adviser to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. Preserved for decades in the National Museum of Buryatia, these documents are reproduced with English translations, Tibetan texts and facsimile images.

Written by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama and prominent Tibetan officials, including Sholkang Shappé and Tsarong Shappé, the correspondence covers a pivotal period in modern Tibetan history from 1911 to 1925. The letters illuminate Tibet’s relations with Russia, China and British India; attempts to secure international recognition of Tibetan independence; the flight of the Panchen Lama; and the political and religious position of Agvan Dorzhiev.

With an extensive introduction, textual commentary, notes on transcription and translation, references and an index, this volume is a valuable primary-source publication for research in modern Tibetan history, Tibet–Russia relations, Buddhist diplomacy and the final period of the Great Game.

Contents

Acknowledgment
Note on Transcription
Introduction
English Translations
Tibetan Texts
Facsimiles
References
Index