An analysis of the Ganden Phodrang’s state-building process with a focus on its final phase of modernization

The Ganden Phodrang, as a state entity and as a bureaucratic administration is often envisaged as a static organisation during its three centuries of existence, from its creation in 1642 until its final demise in 1959. However, despite the general continuity of its political institutions, the Ganden Phodrang state underwent a striking phase of modernisation in its last period of existence, during the period of de facto independence from 1913 to 1950, which has been overlooked for a variety of reasons. Based on Tibetan languages descriptions of the Ganden Phodrang administration on the one hand, and on a social study of the administration (a prosopography of the lay officials of the Ganden Phodrang) on the other hand, the present study posits that the Ganden Phodrang state underwent a striking modernization phase during the period from 1913 to 1950 when compared with previous historical periods. This modernisation is marked mainly by the expansion of the bureaucracy, in terms of number of offices and officials, as well as in terms of an increased specialisation and professionalisation; second, the Ganden Phodrang territorial administration underwent a growing centralisation. A focus on these features allows to better understand the process of state building at work in the largest Tibetan polity of this period.