The Dekyi Lingka (“Garden of Happiness”) was the Embassy of India and also becam the home of the British Mission from 1936 until 1947. Located in eastern Lhasa, not far from the Norbulingka (the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace)
The British Mission party arriving in Lhasa in August 1936 being escorted into the city by an official reception party, which met them a couple of miles outside. Date: 28 August 1936
Two members of the British Mission on balcony, Evan Nepean on the left, who was the wireless operator, and Capt. Morgan on the right, the Mission doctor. A British flag can be seen on the roof. Date: 27/11/1936 Photographer: Frederick Spencer Chapman
Four Tsipon officials in the garden of Dekyi Lingka. From left to right: Shakapa, Ngapo, Lukhangwa, Namseling. They are wearing fine silk robes and have their hair tied up in the customary top-knot adorned with ornaments. Date: 1936
Photographer: Hugh E. Richardson
Basil Gould and the Tibetan Prime Minister, Lonchen Langdun, sitting at a small table with a white tablecloth in the Dekyi Lingka when the Prime Minister came to lunch. Date: 29/09/1936 Photographer: Frederick Spencer Chapman
Two ‘Chang Girls’ (servers of chang beer) who were typically young aristocratic women dressed in fine clothes with fake hair pieces, headdresses, ear and neck ornaments. The occasion was a dinner hosted at the Dekyi Lingka for Tibetan officials of Cabinet rank Date: 28/09/1936
The British Mission entertain the Cabinet under an awning at the Dekyi Lingka. Young high ranking Tibetan girls, often referred to as ‘Chang girls’ by Mission members, serve the guests. Date: 28/09/36
Five masked mummers standing in a group with masks representing skulls, an old man and men. One is holding a spear and another a short staff.
Date: 01/12/36
The most celebrated musician in Lhasa, during the 1930’s and 40’s. Acho Namgyal, a gifted musician revitalized two classical genres of Tibetan music, Nangma and Toeshey.
Khampa dancers disrobing after their performance outside the Dekyi Lingka. There are a number of children among their number. Trees in the background. Date: 1940 – 1941
A reception for Cabinet (Kashag) ministers at the Dekyi Lingka hosted by Basil Gould. Seated left to right are Reginald Fox, Rai Bahadur Norbhu Dhondup, Basil Gould, Tenpa Jayan and Phunkhang Yabshi Kung. 1940-41 Photographer: Harry Staunton
