Ladakh, the Wonderland: A Geographical, Historical and Sociological Study

Ladakh: the Wonderland, is the outcome of well over two yers’ Intimte and affectionate contact with its people and over a decade of scholarly study by the author. it thus blends first hand field experience with considerable textual knowledge. The Geographical location of Ladakh makes it most challenging and fascinating to a visitor. The physical descriptions here, have been personally verified, cross-checked, and modified by the author. Nature has gifted Ladakh with the most wonderful mountain ranges, the sparkling rivers and the beauty of the country side and serve as on Oasis ink this vast and freezing high altitude desert. Fauna of Ladakh over-flows with an exotic variety of animals, and birds, Buddhists dominate the area, but Muslims and Christians also live there and all the communities live in complete kharmony. “Kie-Chha” the ancient name of Ladakh, was first mentioned by the famous Chinese pilgrim FA-HIAN who visited this land in the year 399-400 AD. In the 13th Century, Marco Polo visited Ladakh while on his way to Kashmir, and described this area in the most eulogical terms. All sher of Baltistan (West) invaded Ladakh, In the 16th century . He plundered LEH, the capital town, barbarously destroyed the Holy relics of Lord Buddha, the Holy books and the historical records. Huan-Tsang, the 7th Century, famous traveler of China visited this land of the changing colours. He described Ladakh in the most enchanting manner. Ladakh witenessed blood baths during the 18th Century from invaders coming from China and Baltistan. In the middle of the 19th Century Ladakh was finally conquered by one of the greatest generals of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir viz. General Zorawer singh who made this land an integral part of India. The readers will find themselves transported, through its descriptions, into the picturesque land of Ladakh, for long shrouded in mystery. It is an invitation to come to learn about a marvelous people, holy, mysterious, brave and humble.