Until the year 1959, whose winter residence was the famous Potala Palace, a landmark of Tibetan culture and religion?

Introduction / Context:
This world history and culture question asks about the Potala Palace, one of the most iconic monuments of Tibet. The palace stands on Marpo Ri hill in Lhasa and is known worldwide for its religious importance, striking architecture, and role in Tibetan governance. The question specifically refers to its use as a winter residence until nineteen fifty nine, linking the building to the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet. Knowing who lived there helps learners associate important monuments with the leaders and traditions that gave them meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on Potala Palace and its function as a winter residence.
• The time limit mentioned is the year nineteen fifty nine.
• Options list different religious and royal figures from India, Tibet, and the wider world.
• The learner is assumed to have heard of the Potala Palace in connection with Tibetan Buddhism.

Concept / Approach:
Potala Palace has long been associated with the Dalai Lama, who served as both spiritual and temporal leader in Tibet. Historically, the palace functioned as his winter residence, while Norbulingka served as the summer palace. In nineteen fifty nine, after an uprising in Tibet, the fourteenth Dalai Lama left for India and the palace ceased to be his home. To answer, students should connect Potala Palace with Tibetan Buddhism and recognise that the Dalai Lama, not a local Indian king or the Pope, used it as his winter residence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Potala Palace is in Lhasa, the traditional capital of Tibet. 2. Remember that Tibet is strongly linked with the institution of the Dalai Lama, the highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. 3. Note that the question mentions winter residence, matching the historical use of Potala Palace for the Dalai Lama during winter months. 4. Review the options and identify which figure is clearly connected with Tibetan religion and leadership. 5. Select Dalai lama as the correct answer because none of the other options have any historic connection with Potala Palace.
Verification / Alternative check:
A simple verification is to recall images and documentaries about Potala Palace, which almost always present it as the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Guidebooks and world heritage lists describe Potala as the spiritual and administrative centre of old Tibet and tie it closely to the Dalai Lama institution. The Pope resides in Vatican City, associated with Saint Peter Basilica and the Apostolic Palace, not in Tibet. Indian maharajas, Nepalese kings, and Bhutanese rulers have their own historical palaces in South Asia, entirely separate from Lhasa. Therefore, cross checking basic geographic and religious associations confirms Dalai lama as the correct response.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jodhpur Maharaj refers to a royal ruler in Rajasthan, India, whose palaces are located in cities such as Jodhpur, not in Tibet and certainly not at Potala Palace.
Pope is the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church and resides in Vatican City, surrounded by Roman monuments and Christian basilicas, not in a Tibetan Buddhist palace.
Nepal Raju loosely refers to the king of Nepal, who historically lived in royal palaces in Kathmandu and other Nepalese cities, not in Lhasa.
King of Bhutan is associated with Thimphu and other Bhutanese sites, and while Bhutan follows a Buddhist tradition, its monarchy never used Potala Palace as a residence.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes become confused because several options mention royal or religious leaders, and they may guess based only on the idea of a palace. Others may wrongly connect Potala with an Indian ruler because of regional proximity, ignoring the distinct Tibetan context. To avoid such errors, learners should firmly link Potala Palace with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism and remember that it served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama until nineteen fifty nine. Associating Potala with Lhasa and the Dalai Lama is a useful memory pair for many competitive exams.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Dalai lama.