Tibet and British India - I
Started in 1600 as a company with shareholders to peacefully and profitably develop trade with the Asian continent, the East India Company was no longer a trading concern by the beginning of the nineteenth century, but rather the military arm of the British Empire and “the authorised ruler of the vast Indian subcontinent and various other possessions.”
Click to buy: Tibet: The Lost Frontier
Younghusband described the manner in which British officers of the Company worked for nearly three centuries to expand their empire:
“…We who have dealt with Asiatics can appreciate so well [the following tactic] taking the opportunity, striking while the iron is hot, not letting the chance go by, knowing our mind, knowing what we want, and acting decisively when the exact occasion arises.”1
It was Warren Hastings who first saw the importance for British trade of securing some sort of friendship with Tibet.
Though recognizing the wrong action of the Bhutanese king, the Panchen Lama pleaded with Hastings for clemency – it was the first letter from a Tibetan Lama to a British officer.
The Company had opened trading posts in Madras and Calcutta and later started penetrating China, taking tea, silk, porcelains or cottons back to England on the return voyage. An ever-expanding Empire!
Regarding Tibet and the Himalayan states, Hastings bided his time until the right opportunity came to advance his pawn and ‘strike while the iron was hot’.
It came in 1772, when the Bhutanese attacked Cooch Behar2 and took its King prisoner. There was no hesitation in Hastings’ mind. He retaliated against the Bhutanese, defeating them. At that point, the opportunity to enter into contact with Tibet emerged. One hundred and thirty years later, Younghusband thus described Hastings’ actions:
“It was a forward policy, and combined in a noteworthy manner alertness and deliberation, rapidity and persistency, assertiveness and receptivity. He sought to secure his borders by at once striking when danger threatened, but also by taking infinite pains over long periods of time to promote ordinary neighbourly intercourse with those on the other side. Both qualities are necessary.”
The opportunity to enter into contact with Tibet came in the form of a letter from the Panchen Lama who was the guru of the ruler of Bhutan. Though recognizing the wrong action of the Bhutanese king, the Panchen Lama pleaded with Hastings for clemency – it was the first letter from a Tibetan Lama to a British officer.
...refer the matter to the Regent and the Kashag in Lhasa who opposed the idea as it would have upset the fragile balance with the Chinese authorities.
The Tashilhunpo monastery was much less isolated than Lhasa. India’s ‘proximity’ would be used by British officers in their ‘forward policy’ till the middle of the twentieth century. The Chinese Amban in Lhasa and the presence of many Chinese monks in the great monasteries around Lhasa were other factors which contributed to the isolation of the Tibetan capital.
Hastings laid the letter of the Panchen Lama before the Board of the Company in Calcutta and informed them that he proposed a general treaty of amity and commerce between Bengal and Tibet. For the purpose, George Bogle, a twenty-eight year old officer was chosen by the Viceroy to be the first British Agent at the Court of the Panchen Lama. He left the same year for Shigatse to negotiate with the Lama.3
Bogle’s discussions with the Tashi Lama,4 revolved around a possible alliance between Tibet and British India, “so that the influence of the latter might be used to restrain the Gurkhas of Nepal from attacking Tibet.”5
The Tashi Lama was quite open to the arguments of Bogle, but he had to refer the matter to the Regent and the Kashag in Lhasa who opposed the idea as it would have upset the fragile balance with the Chinese authorities. The Regent diplomatically wrote that he needed to get a clearance from Peking which, for obvious reasons, never came.
The entry of a new player in the game was not well received by the old players. The Nepalese were not keen to see an alliance between Tibet and India with their kingdom suddenly sandwiched between two powerful neighbours
The entry of a new player in the game was not well received by the old players. The Nepalese were not keen to see an alliance between Tibet and India with their kingdom suddenly sandwiched between two powerful neighbours. The Gurkha King took the matter to the Tashi Lama, assuring him that Tibetans had nothing to fear from the Nepalese6 and that he would keep a friendly attitude towards the Tashi Lhunpo. He also warned that if Bogle was thinking of war, the Nepalese were well prepared and Kathmandu, like Lhasa, wanted to keep the British out of their territory.
The Nepalese king concluded his letter requesting the Tibetan Lama “to have no connection with the Firingies (English) or Moguls and not to allow them into the country, but to follow the ancient custom (to keep the foreigners out).”7
Bogle had many friendly discussions with the Panchen Lama but he finally had to leave the Land of Snows. He later learned that his appeal to the Lhasa Government to receive him, had been rejected. However, before he left Shigatse, Bogle met with many traders from Kashmir and Tibet who told him how keen they were to start business with British India.
The influence of the Manchus’ representatives in Lhasa forced Tibet to remain a closed country; this situation was to continue until the beginning of the twentieth century.
The British clearly identified three main obstacles to their Tibetan forward policy and an eventual alliance with Lhasa.
The first problem was the antagonism of the Himalayan countries such as Bhutan and Nepal towards the Crown. They felt culturally closer to Tibet than to the British.
| Editor's Pick |
The second problem was the presence of the Manchu Emperors (through their Ambans) in Lhasa. We have earlier seen the extreme weakness of the Tibetan system and their military dependence on their Chinese patron.
The third obstacle Bogle identified was the growing influence and presence of Russia in the area. One hundred and thirty years later, the same argument (or pretext?) led Lord Curzon, the Viceroy, to send Colonel Younghusband to Tibet, to establish by military means the ‘forward policy’ envisioned by Hastings.
Turner again proposed an agreement to the Tibetans and although the Tashi Lhunpo was not against trading with the British, it was refused again by the Regent in Lhasa under the Amban’s influence.
The next occasion for the British to penetrate Tibet came in 1782 when a British Captain, Samuel Turner visited Shigatse. He described the relations between the Tibetans and the Chinese thus: “The influence of the Chinese overawes the Tibetans in all their proceedings, and produces a timidity and a caution in their conduct more suited to the character of subjects than allies.”
Turner again proposed an agreement to the Tibetans and although the Tashi Lhunpo was not against trading with the British, it was refused again by the Regent in Lhasa under the Amban’s influence. The ‘timidity and caution’ of the Tibetan leaders had prevailed.
For a few years the forward policy of the British Empire remained at a standstill. It was only in 1810, that Lord Minto, the Viceroy, sent a new Mission to Tibet led by Thomas Manning, a reputed scholar.
Manning stayed in Lhasa for many months but was finally recalled by the Viceroy. He seems to have been so disgusted by the attitude of the British Government which had not given him the support he felt it should have, that on his return to India in June 1812, he did not even make an official report about his journey. Manning was to be the last Englishman to enter Lhasa before the troops of Younghusband in 1904.
Again and again, British field officers would not receive London’s backing; the Foreign Office did not want to upset Chinese susceptibilities. It is true that at that time, London had plenty of other problems to deal with — in particular, the advance of Napoleon in Europe.
Managing an empire on which ‘the sun never sets’, the Crown’s objectives were to become richer, open new markets, control more strategic positions and eventually bring the Pax Britannia to the world. While the objective of the Chinese Emperors was domination, that of the British was trade and London knew that it is easier to trade with friends than with enemies.
About the author
Claude Arpi writes regularly on Tibet, China, India and Indo-French relations. He is the author of Tibet: The Lost Frontier and Dharamshala and Beijing: the negotiations that never were.
Most Popular
Lancer Military Bookshop
Interviews / Spotlight
A part from the British Raj in India, there were 565 princely States varying in size from a few square miles to a few thousand square miles. They were ruled, or misruled, by petty chieftains or rajas or maharajas, with whom the British had...
Read More
Archives
© Copyright 2012 Indian Defence Review
I think so this post is very interesting and usefull for all us. We must follow this every time.Above Ground Pools
I think so this post is very interesting and usefull for all us. We must follow this every time.v
[url=http://www.getcoachfactoryoutlet.com][b]Coach Factory[/b][/url] comes in different colors and sizes, which means that you can go in for one that suits you the most.Made up of various rare materials,which contains top quality. Our [url=http://www.getcoachfactoryoutlet.com][b]Coach Store[/b][/url] has a variety of collections of Cheap [url=http://www.coachfactoryoutletr.com][b]Coach Outlet Store[/b][/url]. All these can make you look so charming , which then adds more elegance to its totality. [url=http://www.coachhandbagoutletonline.com][b]Coach Outlet Store[/b][/url] is most fashionable brand around the world. Moreover, the exquisite workmanship makes [url=http://www.coachfactoryoutletgo.com][b]Coach Factory Outlet Online[/b][/url] of fashionable ladies. Don't hesitate! Order it, otherwise you will lose this rare chance! We provide the quality products and satisfying service, guarantee the safety and prompt delivery. All of your items will be sent out within 24 hours after your payment is confirmed and arrived to your door within 5 business days. Besides, you'll get full refund when the item is not available in stock. We make everything done, all you should do is just visit our [url=http://www.coachfactoryoutletr.com][b]Coach Factory[/b] Outlet[/url] and place your order.[url=http://www.coachfactoryoutletgo.com][b]Coach Factory Outlet[/b][/url] with its special design of this season matches with the clothing that has some ethnic style, which will make you look more elegant and graceful.[url=http://www.coachsoutletonlinestores.com][b]Coach Outlet Online Store[/b][/url] has become necessary in everyday life of people seeking fashion and simple designs and elegant to look at very affordable and practical.[url=http://www.coachsoutletonlinestores.com][b]Coach Outlet Online[/b][/url] is well known for the special design and the best service for customers, we always try our best to make your every single shopping here comfortable. The latest [url=http://www.coachhan
British India is divided into three periods. From the early seventeenth century to the middle of the eighteenth century, the East India Company traded in Bengal on the sufferance of the native powers. Thanks.Regards,affordable auto insurance
This can be an excellent website. Thanks for sharing your thought.body building
The key element in visual poetry is the visual nature as apposed to the sound the words make. However some poets, as I have, use their homographical and homophonical discoveries to make poetry that needs to be read and seen:Here/hair is light on hair/here as light on here/hair.Beauty-fashion zPerformance poetry also relies on visual and oral communication. The difference being that aspects of the poem must be seen in the poet rather than on other forms of published material.Beauty Car collection z
Sports shoes is Cheap Nike Dunks people taking part in sports or tourism according to the characteristics of the design and manufacture. The shoes and Nike Dunks shoes and ordinary rubber overshoes leather shoes, different, generally is soft and elastic. Can play a buffer action. Sports can enhance the elasticity, some still can prevent ankle injury. So, in sports, mostly to wear sports shoes, such as Nike Sb Dunks basketball, running etc. Sports shoes and rubber overshoes leather shoes, the biggest difference, is also the most fundamental difference is that function. General leather shoes, rubber boots in the function of the main emphasis is prevent slippery, comfortable, heat preservation, breathe freely and beautiful. And not only meet the requirement to sneakers, and according to the particularity of the sport, respectively, request flexible, energy regression, shock absorption, control of the Nike Dunks High foot, sports protection, accord with flip exercise physiology health requirements, improve athletic performance, etc. Sports shoes material the scope of use than leather shoes, cloth shoes broad. Sports shoes material in help face, textile materials, leather, artificial leather, synthetic materials are used. In the soles materials, in addition to the rubber, PU, PVC, but also a Nike Dunks Low lot that have EVA, TPR, SBS, etc. Various kinds of thermoplastic elastomer, polymer composite materials, functional materials. Accessories, metal parts and plastic components is also the use of the leather shoes, such as cloth shoes to some more. At the same time sneakers function requirement also enormously promoted
Michel Lacoste, the head of his father Rene's namesake fashion company Lacoste, sympathises with Christian Louboutin's legal fight over an alleged violation of a 2008 U.S. trademark of his Red Sole Shoes by YSL, which released shoes that also have red soles.It took Lacoste decades to finally get its iconic alligator emblem trademarked in the US. 'In 1907 a rainwear company had registered the trademark in the US. The conflicting trademark created a complex legal situation that took 42 years for us to solve. We went twice to the US Supreme Court.'Although he's no legal expert, he stands firmly in Louboutin's court. 'I know Christian well and I think he is a wonderful designer and his Red bottoms sole has a strong identity.
I can't beilvee I've been going for years without knowing that.weight loss tips
home inspection phoenix Advantage Inspection Service is your best resource for the best Arizona Home Inspection services and more.
Ocean city NJ rentals We specialize in Ocean City, Upper Township and Somers Point real estate. If you are looking to buy, sell or rent
Adriane Hauck is your best resource for Grand Lake Homes for Sale and in-depth information about the community and the region.Grand Lake Homes For Sale
LopezBail.com is the leading Los Angeles, CA bail agency that provides you with quality services you need to handle an emergency. hawthorne bail bonds
Coach Factory Niuyue Mai The re-opening the first flagship store in Dixon Avenue; Cheap Coach Handbags a symbol of its important position in the fashion industry in the United States; the the Zhongshan flagship store opening in 2006; 2005 Louis Vuitton UK Niuyue Mai The re-opening the first flagship store in Dixon Avenue; Reed Krakoff earned his second CFDA annual Accessories Design Award in 2004; 2003 Coach Factory Outlet Logo (Mini Signature) series; Tokyo Shibuya store opened in 2003 Coach bags sale Tokyo Ginza flagship store opening in 2002; Louis Vuitton Japan branch was established in 2001; authorized Steelcase production of furniture; Reed, Krakoff, to obtain the annual CFDA Accessory Design Award; introduction of Beats y dr dre Logo (Signature), jewelry, travel and other series;
Thanks for sharing. i really appreciate it that you shared with us such a informative post...Baseball Umpire videos
This internet site is seriously good, wish to determine much more so wonderful write-up oakley sunglasses for sale
Dear Sir,China is Looting Uranium and lifted closed to 35 Tonnes from Gilgit as per media channel last month. We cant and even china cant compromise on Border. Its in Indias interest to disintegrate Pakistan and Repeat Bangladesh in Balchistan and cut further in to 5 Pieces. Modernise military aggressively and Deploy 5-7 Division and 3-4 Full Squadrons in Afghanistan as we have already Invested Bililions. When military modernise complete Negotiate tough with China. I dont rule out war with China in Future 2015-2016.JAI HIND Nebraska CDL Practice Test | Nevada CDL Practice Test | New Hampshire CDL Practice Test | New Jersey CDL Practice Test | New Mexico CDL Practice Test | New York CDL Practice Test | North Carolina CDL Practice Test | Ohio CDL Practice Test |
Your knowledge of this subject comes through clearly in this article. I love to read this kind of articles, I hope you will update it. Thank you for sharing it with me.stone cleaning
Part of my job requires me to stay on top of this subject. The article you have written has been beneficial in my research. Thanks a lotmobile airbrush tanning
I could tell how great you are in your field of interest. You could relate in each detail very wellhelp with essay | university essays uk
Wow! I really appreciate the thought that you put into this article. This topic has been something I have been looking into for a few hours and your post is one of the best I have read.Cigarette affiliate
I am have been studying this topic for a long time. You have provided great information in you post and some things I have not seen in other content I have read by others.funny jokes
I enjoyed reading your article and found it to be informative and to the point. Thank you for not rambling on and on just to fill the page.Daddy Birthday Wishes