The 'Conquest of Qinghai' Stele of 1725 and the Aftermath of Lobsang Danjin's Rebellion in 1723-1724

This paper represents an account of the text of the "Сonquest of Qinghai" stele erected in 1725 in the context of the suppression of the rebellion against the Qing Empire initiated by Gushi Khan’s (1581-1655) grandson Lobsang Danjin in 1723-1724. This event became pivotal in the history of the eastern Inner Asia having influenced the situation not only in Qinghai itself, but also in Jungaria and Tibet. Why was the reduction of the rebellion of such a great importance and why did it lead to massive massacres of the lamas and destruction of the Buddhist monasteries? What was the official position of the Qing court on these events? This research offers a revision of the motives lying behind turbulent events in Qinghai of 1723-1724, based on the Yongzheng Emperor’s words carved in stone, shows his official attitude to the circumstances of the Rebellion; besides, it reveals significant aspects of his policy toward the peoples of eastern Inner Asia and outlines some aftermath of the Rebellion.