The 1980s, after the collapse of the Cultural Revolution, was a period of relative tolerance by the Chinese in Tibet in part to make amends for past wrongs. Tibetans were allowed to reopen Buddhist shrines and monasteries.
Tibet in 1987
Monasteries destroyed in the Cultural Revolution were rebuilt. The Tibetan language was reintroduced in schools. Rural communes were dismantled and land was returned to private farmers who were allowed to grow whatever they wanted and sell it on the open market.
The Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping said all issues cold be discussed, except independence.
These fascinating Photos were taken by John Mawer during a journey through Tibet in 1987.
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