| Abstract |
This paper examines the administration of sNa nam zhang rgyal tshan lha snang, the fifth blon chen appointed by Khri srong lde btsan. sNa nam zhang rgyal tshan lha snang remained blon chen for a total of 16 years, from 780 until 796, when he was replaced by Ngan lam stag sgra klu khong. Several important historical events took place under his watch, including the Sino-Tibetan Peace Treaty of 783, also known as the Treaty of Qingshui; the first Sino-Tibetan alliance of 784, which resulted in the recovery of Chang An; the False Treaty of Pingliang in 787, in which Tibetans captured and held captive representatives of the Tang; the first severing of relations between Tibet and the Tang dynasty (787-803); and a period of inner turmoil and unrest within Tibet itself. When the far-reaching scope of these events is considered, it is fair to conclude that sNa nam zhang rgyal tshan lha snang was the most extraordinary blon chen during the later portion of emperor Khri srong lde btsan’s long reign. He was a resourceful and extraordinary minister, who helped to deepen Sino-Tibetan relations significantly. An in-depth look on his life and career is needed; to that end, this paper seeks to make an original contribution. The paper also sees itself as one of a series of biographical studies on significant figures in Tibetan history. |
