Ladakh became a Union Territory of India on 31st October 2019.
The region covers 100,000 sq. km (approximately 60,000 square miles).
Ladakh consists of two districts: Kargil and Leh, with a total population of around 300,000.
It is surrounded by some of the highest mountain ranges in the world.
The Great Himalayan Range runs northwest to southeast through Ladakh, separating it from the Vale of Kashmir.
Early Inhabitants and History:
The first inhabitants were nomadic herders from the Tibetan Plateau and early Buddhist refugees from northern India, known as the Mons.
In the 4th or 5th century, these groups were joined by the Dards, an Indo-Aryan tribe who introduced irrigation and settled agriculture.
Kingdom Formation and Buddhist Influence:
9th century: The first independent kingdom in Ladakh was established by Nyima Gon, who took advantage of the collapse of the Guge Empire in Western Tibet.
Buddhism spread to Ladakh from India and Tibet. Early missionaries like Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) played a significant role in spreading the faith.
10th-11th centuries: The Second Spreading of Buddhism occurred, with figures like Rinchen Zangpo, who founded numerous monasteries in Ladakh and neighboring regions like Spiti.
Dark Age and the Rise of Tibetan Buddhism:
14th century: Ladakh went through a period of political instability, with its rulers shifting from Indian Buddhism to Tibetan Buddhism, influenced by Tantric practices and rituals.
This period saw the rise of the Gelug-pa school of Tibetan Buddhism, led by Tsongkhapa, and its influence expanded in Ladakh, where it remains the dominant sect.
17th century: Sengge Namgyal re-unified Ladakh and expanded its territorial control, making Ladakh a prominent Himalayan power.
Major Developments under Sengge Namgyal:
Sengge Namgyal (17th century) founded the new capital at Leh and built important structures, including the Hemis Monastery, which became the center of the Brugpa sect, a branch of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
However, Sengge Namgyal’s expansion drained the kingdom’s finances, especially after his defeat by the Mughal-Balti army in 1639.
Decline and Conflict with the Mughals:
After military defeats, Sengge Namgyal had to pay tribute to the Mughal Empire, which weakened Ladakh’s economy.
Delden, Sengge’s successor, had conflicts with Tibet, leading to military intervention by the fifth Dalai Lama, supported by Mongolian horsemen.
Ladakh’s internal conflicts escalated, and the Mogul governor of Kashmir intervened, which resulted in more tribute demands, the construction of a mosque in Leh, and the conversion of the Ladakhi king to Islam.
Decline and Annexation by the Dogras:
In the 18th century, trade with Tibet resumed, but Ladakh’s status never fully recovered.
The region was weakened by internal feuds, leading to its annexation by the Dogra general Zorawar Singh in 1834 under the Maharaja of Kashmir.
The Ladakhi royal family was banished to Stok Palace, where they reside to this day.
Conclusion:
Ladakh’s history is marked by a mixture of Buddhist influences, political upheaval, and the gradual decline of its kingdom over several centuries.
Despite this, Ladakh remains a unique cultural and spiritual hub with a rich history and diverse traditions.
Travel and Tourism:
Tailor-made itineraries are available for trips to Ladakh and Kashmir.
Travel packages cover aspects like weather, geography, festivals, and more, to ensure a memorable experience.
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