Amazing Land Ladakh : Places, People and Culture

Contents: Preface. 1. Physical features. 2. Historical perspective. 3. Religion. 4. Buddhist monasteries. 5. Fairs and festivals. 6. Social structure. 7. Ladakh: an overview. Appendices: 1. Spoken language of Ladakh with English equivalents. 2. Important peaks of Ladakh. 3. Important passes of Ladakh. 4. Routes to Ladakh and its subdivisions. 5. Mean temperature during four seasons. 6. J&K tourism offices. Bibliography. Index.

"The great Himalayas are the barriers between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau, while the Karakoram range separates Ladakh from Central Asia. Ladakh was the transit point on the ancient Central Asian trade route for traders. Besides traders, this route was also exploited by invaders, travellers, and nomads. Buddhism also reached Tibet through Ladakh. The pure Aryan race is the racial treasure of Ladakh with their beautiful Aryan features.

Ladakh is a vast plateau of sand, rocks and boulders strewn all around flanked by lofty, barren mountain peaks, resulting in a harsh climate with very scanty vegetation. Ladakh has been referred to by various names like, the land of monks, the land of passes, the land of monasteries, the snow land, etc. The lofty peaks of Khardungla and Stok Kangri dominate the landscapes of Leh. Visiting Ladakh is an unforgettable experience as it is a different land, an 'amazing land'.

The people of this amazing land celebrate their social events cheerfully with their meagre resources. Ladakh are extremely god-fearing and compassionate to all living beings. Ladakh has been the battlefield of four Indo-Pak wars. This peaceful Buddhist land also bore the brunt of Indo-China war of 1962.

This book tries to portray a comprehensive account of Ladakh covering various aspects of the land and the people such as the physical features, historical perspective, religion, monasteries, fairs and festivals, social structure, and an overview of present Ladakh. Some useful appendices have been added at the end of the book for the benefit of readers and tourists." (jacket)