In this fourth and final episode of our series, we continue the story of Tibet’s relentless pursuit of independence, set against the backdrop of world powers repeatedly hesitating and dilly-dallying over their support for the land of Shangri-La.

We also cover the Manchu Empire and its unleashed general, Zhao Erfeng, who brought immense destruction to Tibet; the empire’s eventual collapse and its aftermath; and the new power struggle in China that not only turned the streets of Beijing red, but also introduced a fresh set of challenges for Tibet.

This series would not have been possible without the esteemed authors whose works provided the depth and clarity needed to bring Tibet’s history—its glory, tragedy, and enduring spirit—to life. I am deeply grateful to the scholars and explorers whose writings informed this journey:

• Purshottam Mehra – Tibet: Writings on History and Politics

• Francis Younghusband – India and Tibet

• Thomas Laird – The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama

• Sam van Schaik – Tibet: A History

• Elsa M. Spencer – Escape from Shangri-La

If you’re interested in diving deeper into Tibet’s past and its ongoing quest for independence, I strongly recommend reading these works.

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As the British, wary of the Russian threat, began their military expedition to Tibet, they chose Francis Younghusband to lead the mission, a man of caliber, trusted by many, and backed by Lord Curzon. With a strong British contingent, they marched towards Tibet via Bhutan. But what awaited them? Would they uncover signs of Russian imperial ambitions in Tibet, or was it all just a hoax?

To know more, listen to this episode:

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The British, long intrigued by the mysterious land of Tibet, finally sent one of their most trusted and decorated envoys. Sir George Bogle, to initiate dialogue and explore trade opportunities. Bogle met the Panchen Lama, and the two connected instantly. It marked Britain's first official engagement with Tibet, but it would not be the last.

Meanwhile in China, the Manchus, after toppling the previous dynasty, didn't abandoned their vows to protect Tibet and found themselves in direct conflict with yet another Himalayan kingdom.

The Great Game was underway, played by rival empires with competing interests in the Tibetan plateau. We’ve covered a lot in this episode, so sit back, listen, and seep into the mystique of the Land of Shangri-La.

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