A rare photographic portrait of the 19th Bakula Rinpoche in Ladakh (India) taken c.1940-50

A rare photographic portrait of the 19th Bakula Rinpoche in Ladakh (India) taken c.1940-50, framed and glazed, 36.6cm x 28.5cm.

Provenance: purchased from Thomas Watson Auctioneers, Co. Durham.

Born as Thupstan Chonjor, a prince in Ladakh's royal family, Bakula Rinpoche was recognised by the 13th Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Arhat Bakula, a disciple of the Shakyamuni Buddha. An influential spiritual leader, Bakula Rimpoche also became a politician and diplomat, serving as Minister for Ladakh Affairs. He was a member in the lower house of the Parliament of India and the National Human Rights Commission, and served as India's Ambassador in Mongolia.