First, we import our dataset. You can download the dataset here (csv format). We take a look at the shape (14 rows = 14 Dalai Lamas and 9 columns = the column labels shown below).
In [23]:
import sys,os
import pandas as pd
import numpy as np
import matplotlib
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import seaborn as sns
dl = pd.read_csv('data/dalailamas.csv')
print(dl.shape) #size of our dataset
print(dl) # since this is a smaller dataset - usually recommend dl.head(1) #prints first row of our dataset
It is usually considered good practise to check your imported data types so that there are no surprises. I have had some frustrating experiences failing to do this during my earlier days - esp. with date formats.
In [13]:
dl.info()
I have always been curious to see the ages of our 14 Dalai Lamas. I knew our present Dalai Lama had lived the longest and wanted to see where his predecessors ranked.
In [28]:
%matplotlib inline
color_regions = ['Amdo', 'U-Tsang', 'Kham', 'Mongolia', 'Arunachal Pradesh']
color_list = ['b', 'g', 'r', 'c']
#Figure details
fig=plt.figure(figsize=(10,5))
plt.yticks(fontsize=8)
dl['age'].plot(kind='bar',fontsize=12, color='k')
plt.xlabel('')
plt.ylabel('Ages of Dalai Lamas', fontsize=13)
plt.legend(color_list, color_regions)
#plt.legend(handles=[color_regions, color_list])
Out[28]:
As you can see from the graph above, the first Dalai Lama has lived the longest. He was born in 1391 and died in 1474. Although the data set is taken from the Wikipedia page, even Shakabpa's book, Tibet, A Political History quotes the first Dalai Lama's age at 84. He does mention in the footnote that two other books quote the age at 82. Regardless, living until 80 years is remarkably long for someone born in the late fourteenth (no pun intended) century. This mapping history initiative by University of Oregon begins at 1850 and even then the average life expectancy for someone at 1850 is under 40 years old. It should be noted that this life expectancy is based on men at birth and if they did live until 60, the maximum life expectancy was around 72 years old at 1850. Something to think about.
However, what we do know for a fact is the first Dalai Lama, Gedun Druppa received teachings directly from Tsongkhapa, founder of Gelugpa-sect. Gedup Druppa also founded the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigaste (western Tibet) and was called Panchen Gedun Druppa.
Another interesting argument we could make based on this age graph is that the more powerful Dalai Lamas lived a longer life. The fifth Dalai Lama was considered one of the most important rulers in Tibet's history. The 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas lives are well-documented to understand the challenges faced by them.
I have listed below some of the interesting facts based on Shakabpa's book. Note that Shakabpa was a finance minister and hence the member of the ruling elites when Tibet lost its independence. Therefore, even though it helps us peek into the minds of the ruling elites, one has to take a critical approach and recognize this important bias when reading the book. I do think the book does a good job of covering the Tibet's past history (including the Dalai Lamas). For Tibet's history past 1900, it would be good to read Tsering Shakya's book , Dragon in the Land of Snows: A history of Modern Tibet since 1947.
Back to interesting facts now. Here we go:
Next, I want to take a look at the birth regions of the Dalai Lama. I am intrigued by the birth of the fourth Dalai Lama in Mongolia. Were were there any other cases where the Dalai Lama was born outside of Tibet?
In [15]:
def plotdat(data,category):
l=data.groupby(category).size() #group our meteorites by their types
l.sort() #sort them in ascending order
#l_tail = l.tail(20) #select top 20
#Figure details
fig=plt.figure(figsize=(10,5))
plt.yticks(fontsize=8)
l.plot(kind='bar',fontsize=12,color='k')
plt.xlabel('')
plt.ylabel('Count', fontsize=10)
plotdat(dl, 'birth_region')
We see that one of the Dalai Lamas was born in present-day Arunachal Pradesh, India. It would not be surprising to see if this region was in fact under Tibet's rule back then. Based on our table above, Tsangyang Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama was born in Arunachal Pradesh. Shakabpa's book mentions that Sangye Gyatso had become the Desi during the fifth Dalai Lama's reign and concealed the Dalai Lama's death for a period of fifteen years. The explanation given to the officials and subjects then was that the Dalai Lama had gone into meditation for an indefinite period and could not be disturbed.
Desi Sangye Gyatso was an excellent administrator (and a powerful one) but had trouble with the sixth Dalai Lama who wanted to renounce his monastic vows. During this period, Sangye Gyatso was forced to resign and ultimately killed by Lhazang Khan's men. Lhazang Khan deposed the sixth Dalai Lama and sent him into exile. Tsangyang Gyatso is believed to have died in the Kokonor region. Lhazang Khan then announced the sixth Dalai Lama was not the true reincarnation and appointed Nawang Yeshe Gyatso as the true rebirth and enthroned him in Potala as the "real" sixth Dalai Lama. However, the Tibetans never accepted it and when there were reports of the reincarnation of the sixth Dalai Lama in Lithang. Certain Mongol tribes sympathetic of the sixth Dalai Lama heard of this discovery and decided to offer the boy recognition and protection. The boy was escorted from Derge to the Kokonor region where he was warmly received by the Mongols. Even the Manchus saw this as an opportunity to extend their influence and sent their representative! Is history repeating itself again?
These questions are not for us Tibetans to make judgements about our past. In fact, one should learn and analyze these facts critically so we do not repeat them again. We have paid a great price by losing our nation and Tibetans inside Tibet continue to suffer under the authotarian Chinese regime. If we fail to learn from our past again, we are bound to pay a greater price and that is something we cannot afford to do. Bod Gyalo!