Sonam Drakpa
Encyclopedia
Sonam Drakpa (1359–1408) was a regent of Central Tibet who ruled in 1381-1385. He belonged to the Phagmodrupa dynasty
, the leading regime in Tibet
from 1354 to 1435.
. At the age of nine he was elevated to abbot of the Tsethang monastery, succeeding his eldest brother Drakpa Rinchen. In 1381 he took the dignity of regent (desi) of Tibet after the abdication of his other brother Drakpa Changchub
. His short rule was considered by the Tibetans to be particularly prosperous, with excellent crops. He was therefore known as "the Fortunate King".
emperor Hongwu conferred the title Guanding Guoshi on Sonam Drakpa, who is called Sonan Jiasibayi Jian Cangbu in the dynastic annals. That the Ming Dynasty
had limited insight in Tibetan affairs at this time is indicated by the erroneous statement that Sonam Drakpa directly succeeded his uncle Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen. Nevertheless, the Chinese titles conferred on various Tibetan lords were evidently valued since they are also mentioned in Tibetan chronicles. In 1385 Sonam Drakpa was forced to abdicate his political powers under murky circumstances. Another branch of the family grabbed power, supported by certain ministers and feudatories. Sonam Drakpa sent a letter to Hongwu, claiming that he was ill and therefore suggested his cousin Drakpa Gyaltsen
as his successor. This was endorsed by the Chinese emperor. The abdicated regent withdrew to the monastery Thel. In 1405 he became a kunpang, a person who completely renounces the world. Three years later he died.
Phagmodrupa dynasty
The Phagmodrupa dynasty or Pagmodru of Tibet was established by Tai Situ Changchub Gyaltsen at the end of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. Tai Situ came from the monastic fief Phagmodru , which was originally founded as a hermitage in 1158 by the famous Kagyu scholar Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo...
, the leading regime in Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
from 1354 to 1435.
Tenure as abbot and regent
Sonam Drakpa was the son of Rinchen Dorje, a brother of the regent Jamyang Shakya GyaltsenJamyang Shakya Gyaltsen
Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen was a ruler of Central Tibet in 1364–1373. He was a member of the Phagmodrupa dynasty which was the major Tibetan power from 1354 to 1435...
. At the age of nine he was elevated to abbot of the Tsethang monastery, succeeding his eldest brother Drakpa Rinchen. In 1381 he took the dignity of regent (desi) of Tibet after the abdication of his other brother Drakpa Changchub
Drakpa Changchub
Drakpa Changchub was a ruler of Central Tibet in 1374–1381. He belonged to the Phagmodrupa dynasty which was the dominating regime in Tibet between 1354 and 1435.Drakpa Changchub was the second son of Rinchen Dorje, a brother of the preceding regent Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen. His mother was Zina...
. His short rule was considered by the Tibetans to be particularly prosperous, with excellent crops. He was therefore known as "the Fortunate King".
Pushed from power
The MingMing Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
emperor Hongwu conferred the title Guanding Guoshi on Sonam Drakpa, who is called Sonan Jiasibayi Jian Cangbu in the dynastic annals. That the Ming Dynasty
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
had limited insight in Tibetan affairs at this time is indicated by the erroneous statement that Sonam Drakpa directly succeeded his uncle Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen. Nevertheless, the Chinese titles conferred on various Tibetan lords were evidently valued since they are also mentioned in Tibetan chronicles. In 1385 Sonam Drakpa was forced to abdicate his political powers under murky circumstances. Another branch of the family grabbed power, supported by certain ministers and feudatories. Sonam Drakpa sent a letter to Hongwu, claiming that he was ill and therefore suggested his cousin Drakpa Gyaltsen
Gongma Drakpa Gyaltsen
Gongma Drakpa Gyaltsen was a King of Tibet who ruled in 1385–1432. He belonged to the Phagmodrupa dynasty, which was the leading regime in Tibet between 1354 and 1435...
as his successor. This was endorsed by the Chinese emperor. The abdicated regent withdrew to the monastery Thel. In 1405 he became a kunpang, a person who completely renounces the world. Three years later he died.