Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the Fifth Dalai Lama

The Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682 CE): first Dalai Lama to hold broad political authority; consolidated the Ganden Phodrang government with Mongol backing and began the Potala Palace.

Tibetan

Overview

In 1642, with the military support of the Khoshut Mongol leader Güshi Khan, the Gelug school defeated its rivals in central Tibet and the Fifth Dalai Lama became head of the Ganden Phodrang government based in Lhasa. Work on the Potala Palace began in 1645. He also visited the Qing court in 1652–53.