Famous Western Explorers to Ladakh/Prem Singh Jina. New Delhi, 1995, 152 p., $17. ISBN 81-7387-031-4.
Contents: Preface. 1. Earliest western explorers to Ladakh. 2. History of exploration during first half of 19th century. 3. Famous explorers to Lakadh during second half of 19th century. 4. Explorers to Ladakh before it opened to the foreign tourists. 5. Overview. Bibliography. Index.
"Ladakh has attracted and inspired travellers, explorers and scholars from all over the world for centuries. Even-at a time when there were no roads and no vehicles, the fascination of this land brought explorers from East and West--Portuguese, Germans, Italians, Russians and Hungarians alike. The unique cultural traditions, the distinctive life style of its people and an air of mystery surrounding Ladakh due to its geographical isolation and lack of communication has encouraged explorers to undertake the difficult task of reaching Ladakh braving many problems. Travel accounts of these pioneers have inspired many more to visit Ladakh, the process of which started as early as 1600 A.D.
"This study is intended to collect at one place the experiences of the explorers who have done remarkable work, and cover the information gap regarding the natives, their culture, socio-economic activities, and problems and prospects of this fascinating area." (jacket)
[Prem Singh Jina is on the Staff of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh.]