This compendium of 12 papers, presented at an international conference, organized by the Department of Mongolian and Tibetan Studies, Institute of Oriental and Asian Studies, Bonn University, provides deep insight into the social history of Tibetan societies. Analyzing the role of the Ambans in the Dalai Lama government according to the Ten Point Edict, it describes the edition, structure and authorship of the Weizang Tongzhi.

Recapturing runaways or administration through contrast, it also presents reflections on recruitment and ritual economy in three Himalayan village monasteries, hidden Himalayan transcripts and strategies of social opposition in Mustang in Nepal.