The Fifth Dalai Lama Establishes the Ganden Phodrang Regime

Timeline

1. 1641–1642Shigatse · ShigatseGüshi Khan led Khoshut forces to besiege Shigatse, held by Tsangpa Khan Tenkyong Wangpo. The monastery suburbs fell first, and the fortress surrendered on the twenty-fifth day of the second month of the Water Horse year. The Tsangpa Khan was captured, the secular regime in Tsang collapsed, and the Gelug school's principal military rival was eliminated.
2. 1642Near Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse · ShigatseGüshi Khan first proclaimed himself king of Tibet's three regions, then at a ceremony granted the Fifth Dalai Lama political and religious authority from Dartsedo in Kham to Ladakh. The Dalai Lama ascended the throne in the former Tsangpa Khan's palace, displacing the Karma school's dominance in Tsang, and in return bestowed on Güshi Khan the title of Dharma King.
3. 1642Lhasa · LhasaThe Fifth Dalai Lama declared Lhasa the capital, with the government named Ganden Phodrang after his residence palace at Drepung Monastery. Desi Sonam Rapten oversaw civil affairs, while Güshi Khan was stationed in Qinghai and retained military protection. The theocratic system combining the Gelug monastic establishment with Mongol military force was thus established and continued until 1959.