Traditional Regions of Tibet

1. U-Tsang (Central Tibet)
   • U (Central U-Tsang): U is the central part of U-Tsang and includes the capital city of Lhasa, which has been the religious and political heart of Tibet for centuries. The Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Norbulingka are some of the significant religious and cultural landmarks in this region.
   • Tsang (Western U-Tsang): Tsang includes the region around Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, is located here. Historically, Tsang was a powerful region that often rivaled Lhasa for political control.
2. Amdo (Northeastern Tibet)
   • Amdo encompasses the eastern and northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The region today is divided between the modern Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan.
   • Historically, Amdo was known for its intellectual and religious contributions. It is the birthplace of several important Tibetan religious figures, including the 14th Dalai Lama.
   • The region is culturally distinct, with its own dialects and traditions. The Labrang Monastery in Xiahe is one of the most important monasteries in Amdo and a key center for Buddhist studies.
3. Kham (Southeastern Tibet)
   • Kham stretches across what are now parts of eastern Tibet Autonomous Region and the western provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai in China.
   • Kham is characterized by its rugged terrain, including high mountains and deep valleys, which contributed to the region’s reputation for fiercely independent warriors.
   • The region is home to many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the famous Palpung Monastery and Dzogchen Monastery. The people of Kham are known as Khampas, and their dialects and customs differ from those in Ü-Tsang and Amdo.

Historical Borders and Political Changes

• Pre-1950s Tibet: Traditionally, Tibet was a distinct cultural and political entity with varying degrees of autonomy. The borders of Tibet as understood traditionally included all three regions (Ü-Tsang, Amdo, and Kham) and extended well beyond the current boundaries of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) as defined by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
• Incorporation into China: The 1950s marked a significant change when the PRC incorporated Tibet into China. The invasion of Tibet in 1950-51 and the subsequent signing of the Seventeen-Point Agreement led to the establishment of the TAR in 1965, which includes only a part of Ü-Tsang and Kham, excluding most of Amdo and eastern Kham.
• Present-Day Borders: Today, the TAR covers roughly the western and central parts of the Tibetan Plateau, while Amdo and Kham are divided among Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. This division reflects the political realities following Tibet’s incorporation into the PRC, rather than the traditional Tibetan understanding of its borders.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Religion: Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion across all regions, with various schools such as Gelug, Kagyu, Sakya, and Nyingma having significant influence. Monasteries and religious institutions play a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of Tibetans.
• Language and Culture: Tibetan language varies across the regions, with distinct dialects in Ü-Tsang, Amdo, and Kham. Despite these differences, there is a shared cultural heritage that includes religious practices, festivals, music, and art.
• Resistance and Autonomy Movements: Over the decades, there have been ongoing movements for greater autonomy or independence for Tibet, which highlight the cultural and historical importance of these traditional regions to Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile, led by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in India, continues to advocate for the rights and preservation of Tibetan culture and identity.

Key Facts

• Population: The population of the traditional Tibetan regions includes ethnic Tibetans as well as other ethnic groups like the Han Chinese, Hui, and others, especially in areas outside the TAR.
• Geography: Tibet is known for its harsh and diverse landscape, from the Himalayas in the south to vast plateaus and valleys. This geography has historically influenced the lifestyles and cultures of the people across different regions.
• Economy: Traditionally, the economy was based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. In modern times, the economy in Tibetan areas has increasingly integrated into the broader Chinese economy, with significant developments in infrastructure, tourism, and mining, often leading to debates about environmental impacts and cultural preservation.

Understanding the traditional regions and borders of Tibet provides insight into the deep cultural and historical roots of the Tibetan people, which continue to influence their identity and struggles in the modern wor