Linzhi (Gongbu) Dimu Cliff Inscription

The Linzhi (Gongbu) Dimu Cliff Inscription, situated in the Yunzeng Village of Linzhi City in Tibet, is an ancient relic dating back over 1200 years. Erected shortly after the accession of Chide Songtsenpo (King Trisong Detsen) to the throne of the Tubo Kingdom (798–815 AD), it holds significant historical importance as the oldest recorded stone inscription in the history of Linzhi.

According to records in “The Tubo Inscription Collection” by Wang Yao, the inscription commemorates the lineage of rulers from the Gongbu region, also known as Gongbu kings or Gapo kings. These rulers were descendants of the Tubo royal family, specifically tracing their lineage back to Zangzong Zanpu (King Nyatri Tsenpo), one of the twelve vassal kings under the Tubo Dynasty, ranking ninth in the hierarchy.

The inscription narrates the origins of the Gongbu kings from the legendary tribal leader Nyatri Tsenpo, who arrived from Bomê to the sacred mountain of Gongbu and commenced his leadership, eventually establishing the Gyalrong dynasty in Linzhi. The inscription also details the internal conflicts within the Xibu tribe, leading to the escape of Nyatri Tsenpo’s sons, Nyatri and Shachi, back to the Gongbu region, where Nyatri founded the Gyalrong dynasty. This dynasty lasted for 53 generations until its demise in the 1930s, making it the oldest recorded dynasty in Tibet.

During the late Republican period, the Gyalrong dynasty engaged in conflicts with the local Tibetan government (Kashag), resulting in warfare and ultimately the defeat and exile of the last Gyalrong king, Wangqing Duitui, to India. The Gyalrong palace was destroyed in the war, with only the foundations remaining.

The Gongbu Dimu Cliff Inscription provides invaluable textual evidence for the study of the alliance of the Yalong tribes and is located in a serene village, silently bearing witness to over 1200 years of historical changes, making it a worthwhile destination for visitors.

Notes:

1. Dimu: Originally a deity worshipped in local primitive religions, Dimu was an essential deity in local worship at the time. The Gongbu region worshipped this deity, and a temple—Dimu Temple—was established here. During the Qing Dynasty, the temple’s abbot was appointed as the Hutuktu of Hutuktus within the local Qing Tibetan government, wielding significant political power.
2. Chide Songtsenpo: A Tibetan king of the Tubo Dynasty, also known as “Senale.”
3. Gongbu King Gapo: Gongbu, present-day Linzhi City. Gongbu King Gapo belonged to one of the twelve vassal states under the Tubo Dynasty. Gongbu kings enjoyed relative autonomy under successive local Tibetan governments.
4. “The Joyous Banquet of the Wise”: A comprehensive Tibetan historical masterpiece covering imperial genealogies and Buddhist histories from the Central Plains, India, Khotan, and other places. Its primary focus is on the history of Tibetan Buddhism, making it highly valuable for studying Tibetan history, ethnic relations, and Buddhist culture.
5. “Dunhuang Version of Tubo Historical Documents”: Published in 2013 by Qinghai People’s Publishing House, authored by A. McDonald. The book records valuable documents related to the political, economic, and cultural history of the Tubo period, including biographies of Tubo emperors, major events, and the lineages of vassal states, ministers, and emperors.
6. Chide Songtsenpo: A renowned king of the Tubo Dynasty. He ascended the throne in 755 AD, expanding west into the Abbasid Caliphate, south into India, and even briefly invading Chang’an (in 763 AD). He promoted Buddhism, suppressed Bon, established the Samye Monastery for ordination, translated scriptures, and collected texts. He was celebrated for his military and cultural achievements and was one of the Three Wise Kings of Tubo, alongside Songtsen Gampo and Gar Trinring.

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