Sonam Drakpa (, 1359–1408) was a regent of

Central Tibet Central is an adjective usually referring to being in the center of some place or (mathematical) object. Central may also refer to: Directions and generalised locations * Central Africa, a region in the centre of Africa continent, also known as ...

who ruled in 1381–1385. He belonged to the

Phagmodrupa Dynasty The Phagmodrupa dynasty or Pagmodru (, ; ) was a dynastic regime that held sway over Tibet or parts thereof from 1354 to the early 17th century. It was established by Tai Situ Changchub Gyaltsen of the Lang () family at the end of the Yuan dynast ...

, the leading regime in

Tibet Tibet (; ''Böd''; ) is a region in East Asia, covering much of the Tibetan Plateau and spanning about . It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people. Also resident on the plateau are some other ethnic groups such as Monpa people, ...

from 1354 to 1435.

Tenure as abbot and regent

Sonam Drakpa was the son of Rinchen Dorje, a brother of the regent

Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen (, 1340–1373) was a ruler of Central Tibet in 1364–1373. He was a member of the Phagmodrupa Dynasty which was the major Tibetan power from 1354 to 1435. His time was one of political stability in Central Tibet, and the es ...

. At the age of nine he was elevated to abbot of the Tsethang monastery, succeeding his eldest brother Drakpa Rinchen. In 1381 he took the dignity of regent (desi) of Tibet after the abdication of his other brother Drakpa Changchub. His short rule was considered by the Tibetans to be particularly prosperous, with excellent crops. He was therefore known as "the Fortunate King".

Pushed from power

The

Hongwu Emperor The Hongwu Emperor (21 October 1328 – 24 June 1398), personal name Zhu Yuanzhang (), courtesy name Guorui (), was the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty of China, reigning from 1368 to 1398. As famine, plagues and peasant revolts in ...

of the

Ming dynasty The Ming dynasty (), officially the Great Ming, was an Dynasties in Chinese history, imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol Empire, Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the last ort ...

conferred the title Guanding Guoshi on Sonam Drakpa, who is called Sonan Jiasibayi Jian Cangbu in the dynastic annals. That the

Ming Dynasty The Ming dynasty (), officially the Great Ming, was an Dynasties in Chinese history, imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol Empire, Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the last ort ...

had limited insight in Tibetan affairs at this time is indicated by the erroneous statement that Sonam Drakpa directly succeeded his uncle Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen. Nevertheless, the Chinese titles conferred on various Tibetan lords were evidently valued since they are also mentioned in Tibetan chronicles. In 1385 Sonam Drakpa was forced to abdicate his political powers under murky circumstances. Another branch of the family grabbed power, supported by certain ministers and feudatories. Sonam Drakpa sent a letter to the Hongwu Emperor, claiming that he was ill and therefore suggested his cousin

Drakpa Gyaltsen Dragpa Gyaltsen may refer to: *Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen (1147–1216), third of the five Sakya Patriarchs * Duldzin Dragpa Gyaltsen (1350–1413), one of the main disciples of Je Tsongkhapa *Gongma Drakpa Gyaltsen (1374–1432), ruler of Tibet from 13 ...

as his successor. This was endorsed by the Chinese emperor. The abdicated regent withdrew to the monastery Thel. In 1405 he became a ''kunpang'', a person who completely renounces the world. Three years later he died.Giuseppe Tucci, 1971, p. 214.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Drakpa, Sonam 1359 births 1408 deaths Phagmodrupa dynasty Phagmodrupa Kagyu lamas 14th-century Tibetan people 15th-century Tibetan people

Tenure as abbot and regent

Pushed from power

See also

References