Khrims in context: law, power, and the negotiation of Mongol rule in 13th-century central Tibet

Thesis

“Khrims in Context: Law, Power, and the Negotiation of Mongol Rule in 13th-Century Central Tibet” investigates the evolution of Tibetan conceptions of governance, law, and order during the 13th century, a pivotal era marked by the region’s integration into the Mongol Empire. The study challenges the prevailing view that the hor khrims were simply a set of imposed laws, arguing instead that they represented a complex and adaptable system of governance the Mongols tailored to the Tibetan context. It investigates the mechanisms by which the hor khrims were implemented and their practical implications through the period’s dynamic interactions between Tibetan elites and Mongol rulers.

Key to the dissertation is an exploration of the multifaceted nature of the general Tibetan term khrims, translated to ‘law’ in English (particularly in contemporary usage), illustrating its semantic shift from a specific term for legal documents and regulations under Tibetan imperial rule to a broad concept in the 13th century encompassing diverse legal principles and governance practices. The research analyses a range of primary sources including letters, edicts, and historical accounts to illuminate the intricate relationships between Tibetan elites and Mongol rulers. It reveals how Tibetan leaders, particularly influential lamas, strategically navigated the imposition of hor khrims, highlighting the interplay of power, agency, and cultural exchange during this period.

The dissertation demonstrates that the introduction of hor khrims was a gradual, interactive process rather than a singular event, involving negotiations, adaptations, and the emergence of hybrid governance models that fused Tibetan and Mongol elements.

Ultimately this research sheds light on the Mongol period’s lasting impact on Tibetan conceptualizations of governance, law, and order, offering a new perspective for understanding this transformative chapter in Tibetan history.

Authors: Wojahn, D

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-r5kadxa0d
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: Tibetan, Mongolian, Chinese, and English
• Keywords: Tibetan history; Tibeto-Mongolian interface
• Subjects: Tibet Autonomous Region (China)--History; Law--History; Tibet Autonomous Region (China)--Politics and government; Buddhism--China--Tibet Autonomous Region--History