China's official version of the Dalai Lama's 1959 escape sees him as forced to flee due to a failed attempt on his part “to maintain the serfdom in the region, under which the majority of Tibetans were slaves leading a life of unimaginable misery,” per TIME. Tibetans tend to disagree with this retelling. read more
March 17, 1959: The Dalai Lama flees Tibet for asylum in India. March 17, 1959: The Dalai Lama flees Tibet for asylum in India. How and Why the Dalai Lama Left Tibet. read more
Taktser, birth place of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Amdo, Eastern Tibet. (Photo/Diego Alonso/Tibet Images) His Holiness the Dalai Lama was born on 6 July 1935 to a Tibetan farming family in the small village of Taktser, located in the province of Amdo. read more
Because China invaded his country, took over, and forced him to leave since he was technically their leader. read more