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Soldiers at Chumbi village, 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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Soldiers at Chumbi village, 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
Soldiers at Chumbi village, 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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Media ID 32265940
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Advance Campaign Capture Chumbi Flagpole Hayman Jack Journey Lhasa Reportage Tibet Tibetan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from 1904, a group of soldiers from the British Tibet Expedition stand at attention in the picturesque village of Chumbi, nestled in the Himalayan mountains. The expedition, led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service, was launched from India under the auspices of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, with the aim of asserting British influence in the region and countering perceived Russian encroachment on Tibetan territory. The album from which this image is taken is a fascinating record of the expedition, revealing new details of this little-known campaign. The soldiers, dressed in full uniform and armed with rifles, are shown here in a moment of repose amidst the rugged terrain and traditional Tibetan architecture. The village of Chumbi, with its red-roofed houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, offers a stark contrast to the military presence. The Tibet Expedition, which gained a number of concessions from Tibet, nominally under Chinese control at the time, is a subject of ongoing debate. While some view it as a successful assertion of British influence, others question its worth in light of the resources and lives lost. This album, which came directly from the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, ADC to Colonel Younghusband, offers a unique glimpse into the expedition's military, religious, and cultural aspects, as well as the stunning scenery of the Himalayas. The photographs in the album capture the essence of a bygone era, providing valuable insights into the history of British colonialism in Asia and the complex relationships between different cultures and powers in the region. From the military encampments to the monasteries and local populations, the images offer a rich and nuanced portrait of the Tibet Expedition and its impact on the people and landscape of Tibet.
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