Sorry but the man doesn't miss.

  • gammison [none/use name]
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    4 years ago

    Maybe, the problem is that every direct source on Tibetan feudalism from the period has either gone through Chinese censors, or Tibetan exile ones. Like one of the famous eye gougings was such because it hadn't been practiced in decades and no one knew how to do it. I think the most accurate picture of Tibetan feudalism is most likely in comparison studies with Bhutan, as we have way more info on Bhutan serfdom practices that was not as politicized as Tibet and they were super similar to Tibet, separating formally only in the 17th century. And Bhutan abolished serfdom as a reaction to the invasion of Tibet.

    If anyone wants a really good history of modern Tibet that does try to suss out direct testimony and archival sources, check out Dragon in The Land of Snows. It managed to piss of both the PRC and the Tibetan exile govt lol.

      • gammison [none/use name]
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        4 years ago

        Yeah those rooms existed. As to when they stopped being used is disputed though. Like the Chinese govt claims they were used into 1940s, while pretty much everyone else in the Tibetan studies community says they stopped being used in the 19th century.