Local History in A mdo: The Tsong kha Range (Ri rgyud)

A mdo local history is explored in this study of six little known monasteries along either side of the Tsong kha'i ri rgyud 'The Mountain Range on the Banks of the Tsong (River)'. This eastern frontier of the Tibetan culture zone has been neglected in Western language research, despite the important roles lamas and monasteries from this region played in Lhasa, Beijing 北京, and beyond. These monasteries are also critically important for their local communities, where they are vital sites for the maintenance of cultural identity, incorporating the teaching of Tibetan literacy, religion, and arts (painting, plastic arts, printing, and dance).