Islamic Shangri-La : Inter-Asian Relations and Lhasa's Muslim Communities, 1600 to 1960

At publication date, a free ebook version of this title will be available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program. Visit [www.luminosoa.org](http://www.luminosoa.org) to learn more.__Islamic Shangri-La__transports readers to the heart of the Himalayas as it traces the rise of the Tibetan Muslim community from the 17th century to the present. Radically altering popular interpretations that have portrayed Tibet as isolated and monolithically Buddhist, David Atwill's vibrant account demonstrates how truly cosmopolitan Tibetan society was by highlighting the hybrid influences and internal diversity of Tibet. In its exploration of the Tibetan Muslim experience, this book presents an unparalleled perspective of Tibet's standing during the rise of post–World War II Asia. "Islamic Shangri-La transports readers into the heart of the Himalayas by tracing the rise of the Tibetan Muslim (Khache) community from the early 17th century to the present. Over the past four centuries, the Tibetan Muslims advised several Dalai Lamas, contributed to Tibetan music and literature, and engaged in transregional trade with many of Tibet?s neighbors. Deftly blending contemporary media accounts and interviews with archival documents, this book brings the frustrations and hopes of Tibetan Muslims, and thus of Tibet, to life. Less a history of religion than a history of the Himalayas, the book explores the eddying currents of peoples and states generally excluded from traditional histories of Asia. Its focus on the Tibetan Muslims? multifaceted role in Tibetan society highlights Tibet?s broader inter-Asian positioning and delves into the intertwined relationship between Tibet and Nepal, Kashmir, and other Himalayan states. The story of the Tibetan Muslims provides a new perspective on a history we thought we knew quite well. Illuminating their positioning within the dynamics of Asian state formation with a particular emphasis on the dramatic events of early to mid-20th century, the book opens an unparalleled examination of the long shadows of Tibet?s past on today?s Asia." Islamic Shangri-la Transports Readers To The Heart Of The Himalayas As It Traces The Rise Of The Tibetan Muslim Community From The 17th Century To The Present. Radically Altering Popular Interpretations That Have Portrayed Tibet As Isolated And Monolithically Buddhist, David Atwill's Vibrant Account Demonstrates How Truly Cosmopolitan Tibetan Society Was By Highlighting The Hybrid Influences And Internal Diversity Of Tibet. In Its Exploration Of The Tibetan Muslim Experience, This Book Presents An Unparalleled Perspective Of Tibet's Standing During The Rise Of Post-world War Ii Asia--provided By Publisher. Boundaries Of Belonging -- Confronting The Unexpected -- How Half-tibetans Made Tibet Whole -- Himalayan Asia -- The Tibetan Muslim Incident Of 1960 -- Prisoners Of Shangri- La. David G. Atwill. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. At publication date, a free ebook version of this title will be available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program. Visit (http://www.luminosoa.org) www.luminosoa.org to learn more. Islamic Shangri-La transports readers to the heart of the Himalayas as it traces the rise of the Tibetan Muslim community from the 17th century to the present. Radically altering popular interpretations that have portrayed Tibet as isolated and monolithically Buddhist, David Atwill's vibrant account demonstrates how truly cosmopolitan Tibetan society was by highlighting the hybrid influences and internal diversity of Tibet. In its exploration of the Tibetan Muslim experience, this book presents an unparalleled perspective of Tibet's standing during the rise of post–World War II Asia. A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press's Open Access publishing program for monographs. Visit www.luminosoa.org to learn more.Islamic Shangri-La transports readers to the heart of the Himalayas as it traces the rise of the Tibetan Muslim community from the 17th century to the present. Radically altering popular interpretations that have portrayed Tibet as isolated and monolithically Buddhist, David Atwill's vibrant account demonstrates how truly cosmopolitan Tibetan society was by highlighting the hybrid influences and internal diversity of Tibet. In its exploration of the Tibetan Muslim experience, this book presents an unparalleled perspective of Tibet's standing during the rise of post–World War II Asia. Cover 1 Series Page 2 Half Title 4 Title Page 6 Copyright Page 7 Dedication 8 Contents 10 Illustrations 12 Acknowledgments 14 1 Boundaries of Belonging 22 2 Confronting the Unexpected 34 3 How Half-Tibetans Made Tibet Whole 55 4 Himalayan Asia 86 5 The Tibetan Muslim Incident of 1960 113 6 Prisoners of Shangri-La 144 Glossary 178 Notes 186 Works Cited 234 Index 252 Map 1. 18 Map 2. 19 Map 3. 20 Map 4. 21