Glimpses of the Western Himalaya

The present work is a collection of forty-two pen drawings done by O.C. Handa. These depict different facets of natural grandeur of variegated western Himalayan canvas. The scenic valleys, the tranquil lakes, the gurgling rivers, the majestic mountains, the colourful and rich folk-life, the magnificent age-old temples and monasteries, the ancient buildings and forts, the rural settings, etc., which abound this region so profoundly, have become the theme of these drawings. These have been arranged in a definite sequence so that, while going through them, a complete circuit of adventure through the mountains and monuments of this region is accomplished in one go. Brief description has been added with each drawing so that these may be enjoyed by the viewers and readers alike with the nostalgic ferment crystallized in them. These drawings describe the scenic spots in and around Shimla and in the Shiwalik foothills; the fabled land of Renuka in Sirmaur; the rock-cut temples at Masrur in Kangra; the monuments of Chinese architecture in Mandi; the age-old wooden temples and historic monuments of Kullu; the towering magnificent monuments in the rugged setting of Lahul valley; the exotic trans-Himalayan snow-desert of Spiti; the spectacular fort-monasteries and wonderful mountainscapes of Ladakh; the breath-taking glimpse of Kinnar-Kailash and the magnificent wooden temples amazingly rich in artistic wood-carving in Kinnaur; the palatial and beautiful Bhimakali temple at Sarahan; the scenic grandeur of the sun-bathed bright Pabbar valley; the majestic grandeur of the temple at Hanol in Jaunsar-Bawar; and the rich archaeological site of Lakhamandal on the Jamuna. For the benefit of visitors and tourists to this region, vital locational information has been added in the text. It is hoped that through these visual essays and descriptive write-ups, the viewers and readers shall be able to peep into the history and partake the bliss of nostalgic charm that has kept haunting and inspiring all Himalaya lovers through ages.