Background
Sonam Drakpa was the son of Rinchen Dorje, a brother of the regent Jamyang Shakya Gyaltsen.
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Sonam Drakpa
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He belonged to the Phagmodrupa Dynasty, the leading regime in Tibet from 1354 to 1435. His short rule was considered by the Tibetans to be particularly prosperous, with excellent crops. He was therefore known as "the Fortunate King".
The Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty conferred the title Guanding Guoshi on Sonam Drakpa, who is called Sonan Jiasibayi Jian Cangbu in the dynastic annals.
Nevertheless, the Chinese titles conferred on various Tibetan lords were evidently valued since they are also mentioned in Tibetan chronicles. In 1385 Sonam Drakpa was forced to abdicate his political powers under murky circumstances.
Another branch of the family grabbed power, supported by certain ministers and feudatories. This was endorsed by the Chinese emperor.
The abdicated regent withdrew to the monastery Thel.
In 1405 he became a kunpang, a person who completely renounces the world. Three years later he died.
