Lhasa history

The history of Lhasa, whose name translates as "Place of the Gods," spans over 1,300 years and is closely interwoven with the establishment of Tibetan Buddhism. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,650 metres above sea level, this city grew from a small settlement into the region's most important spiritual and political centre.

The founding of the city is traditionally attributed to King Songtsen Gampo, who united the Tibetan tribes in the 7th century and moved the capital here. Initially, the settlement was called Rasa, meaning "walled place." It was by the King's order that the first iconic temples—Jokhang and Ramoche—were erected for his wives, the Nepalese and Chinese princesses. These sanctuaries, which housed Buddhist relics brought by the princesses, became the core of the future city and the main centres for the spread of Buddhism.

The development of Lhasa was defined by several key factors. Firstly, political power: after Songtsen Gampo moved the capital, Lhasa became the centre of the nascent Tibetan Empire. Later, in the 17th century, the 5th Dalai Lama definitively established the city's status as the capital by commencing the construction of the famous Potala Palace. Secondly, immense spiritual significance: Lhasa quickly transformed into a "sacred city" and a major pilgrimage hub for Buddhists from all over Asia, especially after the construction of large monasteries such as Drepung, Sera, and Ganden. Finally, its important geographic location at the crossroads of caravan routes facilitated Lhasa's growth as a trading hub connecting Tibet with Nepal and India.

From the very beginning, the history of Lhasa has been inextricably linked with religion and trade. The city became a centre of craftsmanship, where the production of religious objects flourished. The architecture was shaped by the influence of Indian, Chinese, and Nepalese styles, which is particularly evident in the construction of the Jokhang Temple. The economy depended largely on the monasteries, which were not only spiritual but also major economic centres, while the fertile lands surrounding Lhasa provided food for the inhabitants, serving as the main agricultural area on the entire Tibetan Plateau.

The Formation and Development of Lhasa

The chronicle of Lhasa is the story of a small settlement transforming into the spiritual heart of Tibet. Key events reflect the stages of its formation as a political, religious, and cultural centre.

• 7th Century: King Songtsen Gampo founds the city, initially named Rasa, and moves the capital of a united Tibet here.
• ~641-647: Construction of the Jokhang Temple is completed to house the sacred statue of Buddha, brought as part of the dowry by the Chinese Princess Wencheng.
• 9th Century: Following the collapse of the Tibetan Empire, the city loses its capital status and falls into decline for several centuries.
• 1416: Jamyang Chojey, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, founds the Drepung Monastery, which subsequently becomes the largest in Tibet.
• 1419: Sera Monastery is founded, becoming one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug school in Lhasa.
• 1642: The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, becomes the spiritual and secular ruler of Tibet.
• 1645: The Fifth Dalai Lama begins the grandiose construction of the Potala Palace on Red Hill, which becomes his winter residence.
• 1648: Lhasa officially regains its status as the capital of Tibet.
• 1755: On the initiative of the Seventh Dalai Lama, the Norbulingka palace and park complex is founded, becoming the summer residence of the rulers.
• 1994: The historic ensemble of the Potala Palace is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming its global cultural significance.

Architectural and Cultural Milestones: How Lhasa Found Its Identity

The history of Lhasa is not merely a chronology of events, but a narrative captured in the stone of its buildings, the art of its craftsmen, and its unique traditions. It is these cultural milestones that formed the unique appearance of the "Place of the Gods," turning it into a spiritual treasury.

• Sacred Centre and the Mandala Principle: Lhasa's urban structure was formed not chaotically, but according to a sacred principle resembling a mandala—a model of the universe. In the very heart of this mandala lies the Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, which surrounds it, became not just a trading quarter but the main pilgrimage path (kora), along which believers perform a ritual circumambulation. This concentric layout emphasises the central role of faith in the life of the city.
• Monastery-Universities — "Cities within a City": The emergence of giants such as Drepung and Sera in the 15th century became a milestone in the intellectual life of Tibet. These were not just monasteries, but self-sufficient "cities" where thousands of monks resided. They became famous as centres of Buddhist philosophy, and their hallmark became the renowned philosophical debates—energetic and spectacular disputes that remain an integral part of monastic training to this day.
• Fusion of Cultures in Craftsmanship: The appearance of Lhasa was largely created by the hands of invited masters. A particularly important role was played by Newari craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley (Nepal), whose art of metal embossing and gilding adorned the roofs and interiors of the first temples. Over time, local crafts also flourished in the city: the creation of sacred scroll paintings (thangkas), wood carving, and the manufacture of ritual objects and incense, turning Lhasa into the largest craft centre on the plateau.
• Potala Palace — Symbol of Unified Power: The construction of the majestic Potala Palace in the 17th century was not only an architectural breakthrough but also a political one. It embodied the idea of the unity of the spiritual and secular power of the Dalai Lamas. Its unique architecture, where the White Palace (administrative centre) and the Red Palace (religious heart) merge into a single whole, forever defined the panorama of Lhasa and became its main symbol.
• Norbulingka — Harmony of Nature and Architecture: If the Potala is an impregnable fortress of faith, then the Norbulingka ("Jewel Park") palace and park complex, founded in the 18th century, became a milestone in the development of landscape art. The summer residence of the Dalai Lamas demonstrated a lighter and more open architectural style, where pavilions and palaces are harmoniously integrated into lush gardens, creating an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

The architecture of Lhasa is a unique phenomenon, shaped by the harsh conditions of the high mountains and the deep spiritual tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Urban development here did not follow the path of creating classical European districts, but rather a sacred principle where religious shrines were at the centre, and life grew around them. The foundation of the architecture consists of stone, clay, and wood, and the buildings are characterised by monumentality and strict simplicity.

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

The urban planning history of Lhasa is divided into several key periods, each of which has left its mark on the city's appearance.

Early Period (7th–9th Centuries): A Fusion of Cultures

The beginning of urban planning was laid in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. The main monument of this era is the Jokhang Temple—the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Its architecture represents a unique combination of styles: at its base lies the plan of an Indian Vihara (Buddhist monastery), but its construction and decor clearly trace the influence of Nepalese masters from the Kathmandu Valley and Chinese architecture of the Tang Dynasty. This blend reflects the cultural ties of Tibet at that time. The city itself initially grew around the temple, and the surrounding Barkhor Street became not only a commercial artery but also a sacred path for pilgrims.

Era of Theocracy and Monumental Architecture (17th–18th Centuries)

A new flourishing of Lhasa is associated with the rule of the Fifth Dalai Lama, who in the 17th century once again made the city the capital and began the construction of the grandiose Potala Palace. This complex became the pinnacle of Tibetan architecture and a symbol of the unity of spiritual and secular power. Its architecture is the classic Tibetan style: massive walls slightly inclined inwards creating a sense of an impregnable fortress, flat roofs, and vivid colour symbolism. The White Palace served as the administrative centre, while the Red Palace was the religious one. During this same period, giant monasteries such as Drepung and Sera grew around Lhasa, representing entire "cities within a city" and serving as important urban elements.

Garden and Park Architecture (18th Century – Early 20th Century)

In the 18th century, the Norbulingka palace and park complex was founded, becoming the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Its architecture demonstrates a departure from the monumental fortress style of the Potala. Here, lighter pavilions and palaces predominate, harmoniously integrated into the lush landscape of the gardens. This style reflects a desire for peace and unity with nature, contrasting with the severe majesty of the winter palace.

Modern Urban Planning

Modern Lhasa presents a contrast between the historical core and new districts. The historical part of the city around the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street retains its traditional appearance with low-rise houses, narrow streets, and numerous pilgrims. New quarters, however, are being built up with modern buildings, creating a noticeable architectural gap between the old and the new city.

Key Figures in the History of Lhasa

The history of Lhasa as a spiritual and political centre is inextricably linked with the activities of outstanding rulers, religious leaders, and reformers. These personalities defined the architectural appearance, cultural development, and historical destiny of the "Place of the Gods."

• Songtsen Gampo (7th Century)
  Role: King, founder of the Tibetan Empire.
  Historical Significance: Considered the founder of Lhasa. He moved the capital to the valley where the city is located, and by his order, the first iconic temples—Jokhang and Ramoche—were erected for his wives, the Nepalese and Chinese princesses. These structures became the core of the future city and the main centres for the spread of Buddhism.
• Princess Wencheng (7th Century)
  Role: Chinese princess, wife of King Songtsen Gampo.
  Historical Significance: Played a key role in the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. She brought the famous statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jowo Rinpoche) as part of her dowry, for which the Jokhang Temple was built. The princess also facilitated cultural exchange, bringing elements of Chinese medicine, crafts, and agriculture to Tibet.
• Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419)
  Role: Religious reformer, philosopher, founder of the Gelug school.
  Historical Significance: Although Tsongkhapa was not a ruler, his activities radically changed the spiritual landscape of Tibet. He founded the Ganden Monastery and established the Great Prayer Festival, Monlam Chenmo, in Lhasa. His disciples founded the largest monastery-universities in the vicinity of the city—Drepung and Sera—which became the most important centres of the Gelug school.
• Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, 5th Dalai Lama (1617–1682)
  Role: Spiritual and secular ruler of Tibet.
  Historical Significance: Known as the "Great Fifth," he united Tibet under his rule and officially made Lhasa the capital in 1642. In 1645, he initiated the construction of the majestic Potala Palace on Red Hill, which became his winter residence and a symbol of the unity of spiritual and secular power.
• Kelzang Gyatso, 7th Dalai Lama (1708–1757)
  Role: Spiritual leader of Tibet.
  Historical Significance: Founded the Norbulingka ("Jewel Park") palace and park complex in 1755, which became the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. This complex, with its elegant pavilions and lush gardens, represents a model of Tibetan garden architecture and is an important cultural monument of Lhasa.
• Thubten Gyatso, 13th Dalai Lama (1876–1933)
  Role: Ruler and reformer.
  Historical Significance: An outstanding politician and moderniser who ruled during the complex period of the "Great Game." He strove to strengthen the independence of Tibet and carried out a number of reforms: he introduced national taxation, created a police force, and attempted to modernise the army. Under his rule, the first automobiles, electricity, and telephones appeared in Lhasa.
• Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935)
  Role: Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  Historical Significance: Was enthroned in Lhasa and lived in the Potala Palace until 1959. He received his full monastic education in Lhasa, passing his final examinations at the Jokhang Temple. He is one of the most famous figures in the world associated with Lhasa and Tibet as a whole, thanks to his global activities promoting ideas of humanism and interreligious dialogue.