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Chinese at Dochu, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
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Chinese at Dochu, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
Chinese at Dochu, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904. The Tibet Expedition was launched from India and sanctioned by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who was concerned over Russian influence and supposed advance toward the border. The expedition eventually gained a number of concessions from Tibet, nominally under Chinese control at the time, but whether the effort was worth the return is certainly up for debate. This album came by direct descent from the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, ADC to the expedition's leader, Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service (Younghusband was accompanied by a strong military escort commanded by Brigadier General James Macdonald). The photographs show various elements of the expedition: military, monasteries, scenery, towns and locals. Date: 1904
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Advance Campaign Capture Hayman Journey Lhasa Reportage Space Tibet Tibetan Dochu
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from 1904, a group of Chinese soldiers can be seen gathered at Dochu La Pass, a strategic location in the Himalayas between Tibet and Bhutan. This image is part of an intriguing album that offers fresh insights into a little-known military campaign: the British Tibet Expedition. Led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service and sanctioned by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, this expedition was launched from India in response to growing concerns over Russian influence and perceived advances toward the border. The ultimate objective was to secure concessions from Tibet, which was nominally under Chinese control at the time. The album, which has been passed down through the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, who served as ADC to Colonel Younghusband, provides a unique and captivating record of the expedition. The photographs within its pages depict various aspects of the campaign, including military scenes, monasteries, scenic vistas, and local populations. This image of Chinese soldiers at Dochu La Pass offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of the expedition, as it reveals the presence of Chinese troops in the region. The presence of these soldiers may have been a result of Chinese efforts to assert their authority over Tibet or an attempt to counteract British influence. The success of the expedition is a subject of ongoing debate, as the concessions gained by the British were ultimately limited, and the cost of the campaign was significant. Nonetheless, this album offers a valuable window into a fascinating chapter of history, providing a visual record of a pivotal moment in the relationship between Britain, Tibet, and China.
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