| The Various Religious Sects Fought for Control of Lhasa |
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The decline of the Pagmo Zhuba regime, which had previously ruled Tibet, around the 16th century made way for the rise of the Runbungba and Desi Tsangba regimes in the Xigaze area. When the Nyuwozong clan that supported the Gelug Sect was wiped out by Desi Tsangba, the Gyixoi Diba regime, a powerful supporter for the Gelug Sect, rose in the lower reaches of the Lhasa River. The regime exercised jurisdiction over the Lhasa River Valley extending from Quxui to Maizhokunggar. Diba rulers of various generations built roads and bridges, reinforced river dams, and built houses and palaces. Earlier, Tangdong Gyibo had already erected an iron cable bridge over the Lhasa River, making it possible for Lhasa to expand in its contacts with the outside world. However, the Desi Tsangba (King Tsangba), who was based in Xigaze, did his best to suppress the Gelug Sect, then on the rise. Beginning with the 17th century, the Lhasa area and the Xigaze area were locked in a fight for control of Lhasa. The Lhasans, used to peace, suffered.
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