The 14th Dalai Lama

Recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama

Aug 1, 1939

Public Declaration of the Official Recognition of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama occurs two years after passing of the 13th Dalai Lama.

Assumes full temporal power of Tibet

Nov 17, 1950

Assumes full temporal or political power in Tibet at the age of 5, Due to the Chinese Invasion of Tibet.

17-Point Agreement signed

May 23, 1951

The 17-Point Agreement, also known as The Agreement of the Central People's Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, was signed by a Tibetan delegation. This agreement affirms China's sovereignty over Tibet but allowing the Dalai Lama and his administration to have autonomous rule.

Meets with Chinese officials for peace talks.

Jun 1, 1955

From July 1954 to June 1955 The Dalai Lama visits China for peace talks and meets with Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders.

Tibetan People's Uprising begins.

Mar 10, 1959

Tibetans gather in front of Norbulingka Palace, the residence of the Dalai Lama, to prevent him from going to a performance at the Chinese Army Camp. Tibetan People's Uprising begins.

China fires Artillery at Tibetans.

Mar 15, 1959

Artillery Shells fired from Chinese troops land outside Norbulingka Palace; first major Chinese attack, also the first attack targeted at the Dalai Lama.

Tibetan Government formally reestablished

Mar 31, 1959

Tibetan Government formally reestablished. The 17-Point Agreement formally repudiated by Tibetan Government.

Escape to India

Mar 31, 1959

Due to Chinese threats and attacks, The Dalai Lama goes on a 14 day escape to India.

Democratic Tibetan constitution drafted.

Jan 1, 1963

The Dalai Lama presents a draft democratic constitution for Tibet. First exile Tibetan Parliament is created.

The first visits to the West

Nov 1, 1973

First visit to Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK, West Germany and Austria occur from September to November.

First contact with China since being exiled.

Jan 1, 1979

First contact with the Government of China established since coming into exile, 20 years ago.

Peace plan for Tibet delivered to washington

Sep 21, 1987

The historic Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet presented in Washington, D.C. to members of the U.S. Congress.

Awarded the Nobel Prize

Dec 10, 1989

Awarded the 1989 Nobel Prize for Peace in Oslo, Norway for advocating for Peace and Freedom of Tibet, specifically because of the Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet.

Transfers Temporal Power

Mar 13, 2011

The Dalai Lama sends a letter to the Tibetan Parliament in exile requesting them to remove his temporal power. He signs into law the formal transfer of his temporal power to the democratically elected leader. This brings to an end the 368-year old tradition of the Dalai Lamas being both spiritual and temporal head of Tibet.