– The Fortress Of Gyantse
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The origin of the Gyantse Dzong can be traced back to the 9th century, the Tubo Kingdom’s last period. After the last king Langdharma, opposed to Buddhism’s development in Tibet, was murdered by a monk. As a result, the Tubo Kingdom collapsed and was divided into discrete powers.
Pelkhor-Tsen, one of the two sons of Langdharma, took over the Gyantse region and built a small palace on Kashan Hill’s top – Gyantse Dzong. After the Tubo Kingdom’s perishment and its divided powers, Sakyapa, a famous sect of Tibetan Buddhism, rose and occupied most Tibet regions, including Gyantse.
The palace built by Pelkhor-Tsen became the administrative office of the local government. In 1365, the Gyantse Dzong was expanded by Phakpa Pelzangpo (1318–1370), a local prince who supported the Sakyapa. He also brought a respectful Buddhist teacher, Buton Rinchedrub, to live in the Palace with the royal family.
Later in the 14th century, the palace was expanded again by Kungpa Phakpa (1357–1412), the son of Phakpa Pelzangpo. Kungpa Phakpa also built the first hilltop monastery in the Gyantse Dzong. In the 14th century, the place complex received its official name Gyantse Dzong, as one of 13 Dzongs in all regions in Tibet.
Since then, Gyantse Dzong had been the administrative office of successive local governments. Thus, it was not only the political centre of Gyantse but also the Buddhist centre of Gyantse.
Today, travellers can still see the reconstructed Gyantse Dzong date back to the 14th century and some spectacular murals in Newari styles and Gyantse styles in the ancient palace at Gyantse Dzong.
