Ladakh: The Land And People

Ladakh, situated in theHimalayas on the far northern frontiers of India, is one of the coldest regionsin the world. It was completely inaccessible, being isolated among high mountains and often politically closed-off. For about six months everyyear it remains cut off from the rest of India. The road over the Zojila isblocked due to heavy snowfall. The fields are frozen at this time and nothingcan be grown. People pass their time by doing handicraft work and arrangingfeasts and festivals. Many nomadic tribes migrated through high Himalayan regiontowards 2nd and mid 3rd millennium B.C. Buddhism was first carried to Ladakh byMons and Dards during 2nd century A.D. Later after 9th century Mongolians ofTibetan origin strengthened Buddhism in Ladakh. Ladakh's proximity to CentralAsia, Tibet and the silk route turned it into a major gateway in theIndo-Central Asia for exchange of men and materials. The present study seeks todiscuss varied aspects of Ladakh such as regional geography; flora and fauna;history; ancient races; rock carvings and sculptures; social customs; region andsociety; Buddhism, and more. The book, by giving a detailed history of theregion from early times to the present, will help readers know much more aboutthis magnificent land.