History of Tibet in Yuan Dynasty

In the middle of the 13th century, Tibet became an administrative area of the government of Yuan Dynasty. Tibet established its local authority under the support of Yuan government.

As the central government, Yuan government administrated Tibet comprehensively. Yuan government established specialized institution to administrate the military and religious affairs of Tibet, and also settled local departments to take care of the military affairs of the front part (Lhasa, the south part of the mountain, and the west part of Nyingchi) back part (the region centers on Shigatse) and Ali Area of Tibet. Two marshals were arranged to be in charge of the military affairs of Ali Area. The local authorities (such as Guge) were retained, and allowed them to act on its jurisdiction on their territory. Two marshals were arranged to be in charge of the Mongolia troops in the front and back parts of Tibet. 13 branch departments were settled as local executive offices to handle the civil administration, and some of them also handle the military affairs. The central government of Yuan Dynasty appointed an official which in charged of all the affairs of Tibet to quarter in Tibet and sometimes the office was served by the military head of the local authorities.

The government of Yuan Dynasty regulated that the officials from local ones to the head ones must be nominated by the central government and appointed by the emperor. Officials at all levels could be Buddhist or laity, and they would administrate both the military and civil affairs. This kind of regime was adopted by the local authorities all these years. The calendar and criminal law were also introduced to Tibet. The head official revised the civil code of Tibet on the basis of the law of Yuan government.