History of Dalai Lama in Timeline

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism's Gelug school. The title originated with Altan Khan, who bestowed it upon Sonam Gyatso in 1578. Sonam Gyatso was subsequently recognized as the 3rd Dalai Lama, with the title being retroactively applied to the first two tulkus in his lineage. Thus, the Dalai Lama represents a lineage of reincarnations central to Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1904: First period of exile to escape the British invasion

In 1904, the 13th Dalai Lama underwent his first period of exile to escape the British invasion.

1904: Qing Government temporarily revoked Thubten Gyatso's Dalai Lama title

In 1904, the Qing Government temporarily revoked Thubten Gyatso's Dalai Lama title, marking a period of political turmoil.

1908: Qing Government granted the title

In 1908, the Qing Government granted the title "Sincere Obedient and Praised the Freedom Buddha of the Great Goodness of the Western Paradise (诚顺赞化西天大善自在佛)".

1909: Return from exile after escaping the British invasion

In 1909, the 13th Dalai Lama returned from his first exile after escaping the British invasion.

1910: Second period of exile to escape a Chinese invasion

In 1910, the 13th Dalai Lama underwent his second period of exile to escape a Chinese invasion.

1912: Upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China

From 1912, the life and deeds of the 13th Dalai Lama served as living proof of successfully upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China.

1912: End of Tibet's relationship with China and proclamation of independence

In 1912, the 13th Dalai Lama declared that Tibet's relationship with China had ended with the Qing dynasty's fall and proclaimed independence, though this was not formally recognized under international law.

1912: Return from exile after escaping a Chinese invasion

In 1912, the 13th Dalai Lama returned from his second exile after escaping a Chinese invasion.

1912: Reconstitution of the government with the Dalai Lama presiding over a Kashag

In 1912, the government was reconstituted with the Dalai Lama presiding over a Kashag of four Tibetans after the Qing sent a force to restore order, reinvesting him with temporal power.

1913: Publication of the Tibetan Declaration of Independence

In 1913, the Great Thirteenth Thubten Gyatso published the Tibetan Declaration of Independence for the entirety of Tibet.

1913: Return from exile and assumption of control of foreign relations

In January 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama returned from exile in India and Sikkim and assumed control of foreign relations, dealing directly with foreign leaders.

1933: Death of the 13th Dalai Lama

The 13th Dalai Lama died in 1933, marking the end of his efforts to modernize Tibet.

July 1935: Birth of the 14th Dalai Lama

On July 6, 1935, the 14th Dalai Lama was born on a straw mat in a cowshed to a farmer's family in a remote part of Tibet.

Others born on this day/year

February 1940: Central Government approval for Lhamo Thondup to become the 14th Dalai Lama

In February 1940, the Central Government approved the request to exempt Lhamo Thondup from the lot-drawing process to become the 14th Dalai Lama.

1949: Tibet listed as a country in Nepal's application to join the UN

In 1949, when submitting an application to join the UN, the Kingdom of Nepal listed Tibet as a country just as independent and sovereign.

November 1950: Formal enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama

In November 1950, the 14th Dalai Lama was formally enthroned during the Battle of Chamdo with the People's Republic of China.

1950: Upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China

Until 1950, the life and deeds of the 13th Dalai Lama served as living proof of successfully upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China.

1951: Ratification of the Seventeen Point Agreement with China

In 1951, the 14th Dalai Lama ratified the Seventeen Point Agreement with China, marking a significant moment in the relationship between Tibet and China.

1951: US offers assistance if Dalai Lama leaves Tibet

In 1951, the United States informed the Dalai Lama that to receive its assistance and support he must leave Tibet and publicly disavow agreements concluded under duress between Tibetan and Chinese representatives.

1955: Nepal established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China

In 1955, Nepal established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and recognized Tibet as a part of China.

April 1959: Statement on the Seventeen Point Agreement

On April 18, 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama issued a statement that in 1951, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government were pressured into accepting the Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.

1959: Seeking refuge in India following the Tibetan uprising

Following the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, the 14th Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, where he was allowed in by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and has since lived in exile in McLeod Ganj, establishing the Central Tibetan Administration.

1959: Escape from Lhasa during Tibetan diaspora

In 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, escaped from Lhasa during the Tibetan diaspora and has since lived in exile in Dharamshala, India.

1959: 14th Dalai Lama fled to India

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India, marking the end of the Dalai Lama lineage's rule over Tibet.

1959: Revocation of the Seventeen Point Agreement

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama revoked the Seventeen Point Agreement with China, reversing his previous decision.

1959: The Kashag and the Tsongdu ruled without further interruption

Until 1959, the Kashag and the Tsongdu or National Assembly were reinstated, and, presided over by a Dalai Lama or his regent, ruled without further interruption.

1969: Future of the Dalai Lama institution

In 1969, the 14th Dalai Lama stated that the decision of whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue rests with the Tibetan people. He also suggested the possibility of a future vote among Tibetan Buddhists to decide on the recognition of his rebirth.

1974: Rejection of calls for Tibetan independence

In 1974, the 14th Dalai Lama rejected calls for Tibetan independence, shifting his stance on the political future of Tibet.

1995: Selection of Panchen Lama and subsequent abduction

In 1995, the Dalai Lama proceeded with the selection of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama without using the Golden Urn. The Chinese government insisted on its use and chose Gyaincain Norbu. Shortly after being chosen, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted by the Chinese government in 1995 and has not been seen in public since.

2001: Ceding of partial power to an elected parliament of Tibetan exiles

In 2001, the 14th Dalai Lama ceded his partial power over the government to an elected parliament of Tibetan exiles.

2005: Public agreement that Tibet is part of China

In 2005, the 14th Dalai Lama publicly agreed that Tibet is part of China and did not support separatism, further evolving his position on Tibet's status.

September 2007: China's control over high monks

In September 2007, the Chinese government declared that all high monks, including the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama, must be approved by the government. The Dalai Lama has alluded to a possible referendum to determine the 15th Dalai Lama as a result.

2013: One of the two most popular world leaders

By 2013, the 14th Dalai Lama became one of the two most popular world leaders by 2013, tied with Barack Obama, according to a poll by Harris Interactive of New York.

2014: Statement on Tibet wanting to be part of China with cultural preservation

In 2014, the Dalai Lama stated that Tibet wants to be part of China but China should let Tibet preserve its culture and script.

2016: Statement on Tibet wanting to be part of China with cultural preservation

In 2016, he said that Tibet wants to be part of China but China should let Tibet preserve its culture and script.

2018: Comments on Europe, refugees, and a female Dalai Lama

In 2018, the Dalai Lama stated that "Europe belongs to the Europeans" and that Europe has a moral obligation to aid refugees but they should return to develop their home countries. He also made controversial comments about a female Dalai Lama needing to be more attractive.

2019: Comments on his successor and Chinese interference

In 2019, the Dalai Lama spoke out about his successor, saying that after his death he is likely to be reincarnated in India and warned against any Chinese interference in succession.

2020: Statement on not supporting Tibetan independence and hoping to visit China

In 2020, the Dalai Lama said he did not support Tibetan independence and hoped to visit China as a Nobel Prize winner, preferring the concept of a republic within the People's Republic of China.

2021: Praised India as a role model for religious harmony

In 2021, the Dalai Lama praised India as a role model for religious harmony in the world.

2023: Apology for a video showing inappropriate interaction with a boy

In 2023, a video surfaced showing the Dalai Lama asking a boy for a kiss on the lips and to suck his tongue. He later apologized, expressing regret for the incident and claiming it was innocent teasing.