Name: Dhondup
(Alias: Yes)
Gender: Male
Interview Age: 68
Date of Birth: 1939
Birthplace: Zina, Kham, Tibet
Year Left Tibet: 1959
Profession: Farming
Monk/Nun: No
Political Prisoner: No
Interview No.: 65
Date: 2007-07-02
Language: Tibetan
Location: Lugsung Samdupling Settlement, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India
Categories: Chinese Invasion and Occupation
Keywords: childhood memories, Chinese -- first appearance of, Chushi Gangdrug guerrillas, environment/wildlife, escape experiences, farm life, Kham, resistance fighters, trade
Summary:
Dhondup's family, in addition to farming, also engaged in trading and traveled between China, Dhartsedho, Chekudho and Lhasa and later to Kalimpong in India. They traded goods such as tea, wool, pelts and musk. Dhondup recreates a beautiful picture of his region which was full of forests, fruit trees, flowers and a host of wild animals.
When the Communist Chinese arrived in his region they deceived the Tibetans by requesting their weapons and horses on the pretext of fighting the Americans, whom the Chinese considered their enemies. Later they divided the villagers into groups based on wealth and power and would not allow the poor people and wealthy people to interact with each other.
Fearing that his father was to be arrested, Dhondup accompanied his father on a very long journey to Lhasa. His father then joins the Chushi Gangdrug Resistance Force while Dhondup travels with their mules. Both later escaped to India.
Interview Team:
- Marcella Adamski (Interviewer)
- Tenzin Yangchen (Interpreter)
- Jeff Lodas (Videographer)
