The Gashag government was composed of members from the upper classes of monks and laymen, who represented the will and interests of the aristocrats. It was one of the three major estate-owners in Tibet, the other two being aristocrats and upper-class monks. Though the Gashag was the highest administrative body of Tibet, its power was limited to the handling political affairs. It was not authorized to take charge of religious affairs. In Tibet, the Dalai Lama or his Regent held supreme command of political and religious affairs. If the Gashag were defined as the local government of Tibet, it might mean that its quality is in close proximity to the function of the government. However, compared to the generally-recognized Western and Eastern standards, it was not like a government either in function or title of the officials. Compared to the Dalai Lama or his Regent, their titles were vague.

The three people in the front row in the picture are monk and lay officials in the Gashag government. Right to left: Siangar Chomei Dorje (Shasoi), Lobsang Zhaxi , Liushia Tubdain Tarpa