Rinpungpa

The Rinpungpa (Wylie: rin spungs pa) were a powerful Tibetan noble family that dominated central Tibet (Ü-Tsang) from the late 15th to the early 17th centuries. They arose from the ranks of the powerful Langdun clan, holding sway over the region from their base at Rinpung Dzong, located near Shigatse.

The family's rise to prominence began in the mid-15th century, under the leadership of Norzang, a dzongpen (fortress commander) of Rinpung Dzong. He successfully challenged the waning power of the Phagmodrupa dynasty, who had been the nominal rulers of Tibet for centuries. Through skillful political maneuvering and military force, Norzang and his successors gradually expanded their influence, effectively controlling the administration and religious affairs of much of Ü-Tsang.

The Rinpungpa's rule was characterized by their patronage of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This led to tensions with the Gelug school, headed by the Dalai Lamas, who were based in Lhasa and increasingly sought to consolidate their own power. The Rinpungpa often clashed with the Gelugpa and their Mongol allies.

The period of Rinpungpa dominance was marked by relative stability and economic prosperity in central Tibet. They supported trade and infrastructure development, and their court became a center of cultural and artistic activity.

However, the Rinpungpa's power ultimately waned in the early 17th century. Their support for the Karma Kagyu school brought them into direct conflict with the rising power of the Fifth Dalai Lama and his Mongol patron, Gushri Khan. After a protracted struggle, Gushri Khan's forces conquered Ü-Tsang, defeating the Rinpungpa and establishing the Ganden Phodrang government, which was led by the Dalai Lamas. The defeat of the Rinpungpa marked a significant turning point in Tibetan history, ushering in a new era of Gelugpa dominance and the unification of Tibet under the authority of the Dalai Lamas.