Introduction

The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works, is erected on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. The word "Potala" comes from Sanskrit. In 7th century, after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's marriage with Princes Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Palace was built for meditation. In the mid -17th century, it was rebuilt by the 5th Dalai Lama to its present size, and ever since it became the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The construction took fifty years from its beginning to completion. The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the Red Palace and White Palace. The total height of the Potala is 117m which is built in thirteen storeys, the length of the Potala from east to west has 400m and the breadth from south to north has 350m. The whole building is a structure of stone and timber. The top most flat glistens with golden roofs. It is a majestic architectural work and the cream of Tibetan culture and complex of Tebatan and Han culture.