Tsarong Dasang Dramdul (1888–1959), commonly known mononymously as Tsarong or by his title Tsarong Dzasa, was a Tibetan politician and general in the Tibetan Army. He was a close aide of the 13th Dalai Lama and played an important role in the early twentieth century politics of Tibet. Eager to accelerate economic progression and pursue the modernization of Tibet, Tsarong believed that the old order in Tibet had to be broken by hierarchical reforms to prepare the way for a more modern society which would be compatible with the outside world. In his efforts to build up Tibet's defense systems and relations with European powers as well as to facilitate trade and strengthen the Tibetan currency, he made a series of diplomatic visits to British India. His diplomatic skills came to see him regarded by the British as being, "the most powerful friend of His Majesty's Government in Tibet."

Tsarong was captured by the People's Liberation Army following the failed March 1959 uprising in Lhasa. He died in prison shortly afterwards, before his scheduled "struggle session" in Lhasa.

Namgang Dazang Damdu was born into a peasant family in Phenpo, north of Lhasa in 1888 according to the Tibet Museum (other sources suggest 1885). As a child he demonstrated an unusually high level of intelligence and advanced abilities. In 1900, he was recognized by Khangnyi Jipa, a monk who served as an official of the Norbulingka palace and took on Namgang as his pupil at the age of twelve, considered very young at the time. Within a short amount of time he was employed in the personal service of the 13th Dalai Lama.

Namgangla accompanied the Dalai Lama in his trip to Mongolia in 1903 and from then on became his closest servant. The Dalai Lama grew increasingly fond of Namgangla during the first decade of the 20th century. He was said to greatly admire the dedication and hard work that Namgangla contributed in his service and became one of his favorites. The Dalai Lama compassionately named him ‘Chensel’ Namgang; ‘Chensel’ literally meaning ‘visible to the eyes’, because Namgang was constantly in his presence. As the Dalai Lama grew in trust of Namgang and his abilities, he became increasingly important not only as a servant but as an adviser. In April 1908, for instance, he was entrusted to sign the Trade Regulations in Calcutta on behalf of the Tibetan Government.

Namgang played an important role in the pre-Xinhai Revolution defense against the Qing's expedition to Tibet. When in March 1910, the 13th Dalai Lama fled into exile to British India, Namgangla remained behind at Chaksam Ferry with an army of Tibetan soldiers, and resisted the Qing troops who were attempting to thwart the passage of the Dalai Lama to India. The Qing suffered a humiliating defeat as well as a significant number of casualties and his success in the battle and protection of the spiritual leader and country won him notable acclaim in the eyes of many Tibetans who referred to him as the ‘Hero of Chaksam’.

While in India, in early 1912, the Dalai Lama appointed Namgangla as the official Commander-in-Chief of Tibet, awarding him the title of Dzasa. He would soon take the other name, Tsarong, in July 1913 from his marriage to the eldest daughter of the late Kalon Tsarong Shap-pe whose prestigious title, "Shap-pe" and state entitlements he inherited. Early in 1912, after his appointment as commander, Tsarong was sent to Lhasa to work in close cooperation with the War Department established by the officials of the Tibetan government, Trimon and Chamba Tendar. In Lhasa they formulated and coordinated a revolt against the Qing forces, which had become increasingly weak in Tibet following the collapse of the Manchu Qing dynasty and the ongoing Chinese revolution. The Qing army lacked supplies and reinforcements and were forced to surrender on 12 August 1912 after force from an army led by Tsarong. Following victory, the Dalai Lama returned from exile, declaring the Independence of Tibet in early 1913.

Peter Aufschnaiter said in his book Eight Years in Tibet:

"He had very definite opinions about everything connected with Tibet based on a thorough consideration. On the other hand, he was able to learn quite a bit from us about the modern world ... he has thought about many things for himself, often correctly. He had risen from the lowest social class and had never been to school. He had gained his high position through skill and courage at the time of the flight of the thirteenth Dalai Lama from the Chinese in 1911. He was then director of the so-called Drapchi office, which was responsible for technical work and for production of banknotes and coins. His salary was very small, because officials were expected to earn their own income through private trading."