Mind-Benders of Buddhist History
The ruler who began the Potala Palace
The Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682), known as "the Great Fifth," became the political ruler of a unified Tibet in 1642 and began construction of the Potala Palace in Lhasa around 1645; the Ganden Phodrang government he established endured until 1959 — some 317 years.
How we know
Fifth Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso b.1617 d.1682; unified Tibet under Ganden Phodrang 1642 (with Gushri Khan); Potala Palace White Palace begun 1645; Ganden Phodrang government ended 1959. 1959−1642 = 317 years.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.