Ladakh: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Union territory of India}}
{{Short description|Region administered by India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
 
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2021}}<!---Please do not add Indian or Pakistani English here-->
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
 
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Ladakh
| name                     = Ladakh
| settlement_type                 = Region administered by India as a [[union territory]]
| settlement_type         = Region administered by India as a [[union territory]]<ref name=ladakh-britannica-current/>
| image_skyline                   = {{Photomontage
| image_skyline           = {{Photomontage
| photo1a      = Rangdum village grazing fields.jpg
| photo1a      = Rangdum village grazing fields.jpg
| photo2a      = Shyok river Ladakh.jpg
| photo2a      = Shyok river Ladakh.jpg
Line 17: Line 19:
| foot_montage = Sheep grazing near [[Rangdum]] village; [[Shyok River]] in northern Ladakh
| foot_montage = Sheep grazing near [[Rangdum]] village; [[Shyok River]] in northern Ladakh
}}
}}
| image_alt                      =  
| blank_emblem_type        =  
| image_caption                  =  
| image_blank_emblem      =  
| image_flag                      =  
| blank_emblem_size        =  
| flag_size
| image_map1                = File:Kashmir region. LOC 2003626427 - showing sub-regions administered by different countries.jpg
=
| map_alt                  = Map of the disputed Kashmir region showing areas of control by India, Pakistan, and China
| flag_type
| map_caption1              = A map of the disputed [[Kashmir]] region with the two Indian-administered areas shaded in [[tan (color)|tan]]<ref name=tertiary-kashmir/>
=
| image_map              = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-width=300|frame-height=170|frame-align=center|zoom=4|type=point|title=Ladakh|marker=city|type2=shape|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080}}
| image_blank_emblem              =  
| map_caption            = Interactive map of Ladakh
| blank_emblem_size              =  
| coordinates              = {{Coord|34|09|51|N|77|35|05|E|display=inline,title}}
| blank_emblem_type              =
| coor_pinpoint            =  
| map                    = Kashmir Region November 2019.jpg
| coordinates_footnotes    =  
| map_alt                        = Jammu and Kashmir
| subdivision_type        = [[List of sovereign states|Administering state]]
| map_caption                    = A map of the disputed [[Kashmir]] region showing the Indian-administered union territory of Ladakh
| subdivision_name        = India
| image_map1                      =  
| subdivision_type1        =
| map_caption1                    =
| subdivision_type2        =  
| coordinates                    = {{coord|34.0|N|77.5|E|region:IN-LA_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_name1        =
| coor_pinpoint                  =  
| subdivision_name2        =  
| coordinates_footnotes          =  
| established_title        = [[Union territory]]
| subdivision_type                = Administering country
| established_date        = 31 October 2019<ref name="egazette.nic.in">{{cite web |title=The Gazette of India |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf |website=egazette.nic.in |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=9 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809153916/http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| subdivision_name                = [[India]]<!--No flags per BP:INFOBOXFLAG-->
| seat_type                = [[Capital city|Capitals]]
| subdivision_type1              =  
| seat                    = [[Leh]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2019/10/17/ladakh-gets-civil-secretariat/ |title=Ladakh Gets Civil Secretariat |date=17 October 2019 |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=19 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019123828/https://kashmirobserver.net/2019/10/17/ladakh-gets-civil-secretariat/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Kargil]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lg-ut-hqrs-head-of-police-to-have-sectts-at-both-leh-kargil-mathur/ |title=LG, UT Hqrs, Head of Police to have Sectts at both Leh, Kargil: Mathur |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213231004/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lg-ut-hqrs-head-of-police-to-have-sectts-at-both-leh-kargil-mathur/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| subdivision_type2              =  
| parts_type              = [[List of districts in India|Districts]]
| subdivision_name1              =
| parts_style              = para
| subdivision_name2              =
| p1                      = [[List of districts of Ladakh|2]]
| established_title              = [[Union territory]]
| founder                  =
| established_date                = 31 October 2019<ref name="egazette.nic.in">{{cite web |title=The Gazette of India |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf |website=egazette.nic.in |access-date=3 January 2021}}</ref>
| named_for                =
| seat_type                      = Capital
| government_type          =
| seat                            = [[Leh]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2019/10/17/ladakh-gets-civil-secretariat/ | title=Ladakh Gets Civil Secretariat| date=17 October 2019}}</ref> [[Kargil]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lg-ut-hqrs-head-of-police-to-have-sectts-at-both-leh-kargil-mathur/ |title=LG, UT Hqrs, Head of Police to have Sectts at both Leh, Kargil: Mathur |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref>
| governing_body          = [[Administration of Ladakh]]
| parts_type                      = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| leader_title            = [[List of lieutenant governors of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]]
| parts_style                    = para
| leader_name              = [[B. D. Mishra]]
| p1                              = [[List of Districts of Ladakh|2]]
| leader_title1            = [[Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency|Member of Parliament]]
| founder                        =  
| leader_name1            = [[Jamyang Tsering Namgyal]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| named_for                      =
| leader_title2            = [[High courts of India|High Court]]
| government_type                =
| leader_name2            = [[High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh]]
| governing_body                  = [[Administration of Ladakh]]
| unit_pref                = Metric
| leader_title                    = [[List of lieutenant governors of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]]
| area_footnotes          = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |title=MHA.nic.in |publisher=MHA.nic.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208212815/http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |archive-date=8 December 2008}}</ref>{{efn|Ladakh is a [[disputed territory]] between India, Pakistan and China. Ladakh has {{cvt|59146|km2}} of area controlled by India and {{cvt|72971|km2}} of area controlled by Pakistan under [[Gilgit-Baltistan]], which is claimed by India as part of Ladakh. Additionally, it has {{cvt|5180|km2}} of area controlled by China under [[Trans-Karakoram Tract]] and {{cvt|37555|km2}} of area controlled by China under [[Aksai Chin]], both of which are claimed by India as part of Ladakh.}}
| leader_name                    = [[R. K. Mathur|Radha Krishna Mathur]]
| area_rank                =
| leader_title1                  = [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Member of Parliament]]
| area_total_km2          = 59,146
| leader_name1                    = [[Jamyang Tsering Namgyal]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| elevation_footnotes      =  
| leader_title2                  = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| elevation_m              =  
| leader_name2                    = [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]]
| elevation_max_footnotes  =
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| elevation_max_m          = 7,742
| area_footnotes                  = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |title=MHA.nic.in |publisher=MHA.nic.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208212815/http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref>{{efn|Ladakh has {{cvt|59146|km2}} of area controlled by [[India]] and {{cvt|72971|km2}} of area controlled by Pakistan under Gilgit-Baltistan, which is claimed by India as part of Ladakh. Additionally, it has {{cvt|5180|km2}} of area controlled by the People's Republic of China under Trans-Karakoram Tract and {{cvt|37555|km2}} of area controlled by the People's Republic of China under Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India as part of Ladakh.}}
| elevation_max_point      = [[Saltoro Kangri]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=10533 |title=Saltoro Kangri, India/Pakistan |website=peakbagger.com |access-date=9 August 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509201854/https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=10533 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_rank                      =  
| elevation_max_rank      =  
| area_total_km2                  = 59146
| elevation_min_footnotes  =  
| elevation_footnotes            =  
| elevation_min_m          = 2,550
| elevation_m                    =  
| elevation_min_point      = [[Indus River]]
| elevation_max_footnotes        =  
| elevation_min_rank      =
| elevation_max_m                = 7,742
| population_total        = 274,289
| elevation_max_ft                =  
| population_as_of        = 2011
| elevation_max_point            = [[Saltoro Kangri]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=10533|title=Saltoro Kangri, India/Pakistan|website=peakbagger.com|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref>
| population_rank          =
| elevation_max_rank              =
| population_density_km2  = auto
| elevation_min_footnotes        =
| population_demonym      = [[Ladakhis|Ladakhi]]
| elevation_min_m                = 2550
| population_footnotes    =
| elevation_min_ft                =
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| elevation_min_point            = [[Indus River]]
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| elevation_min_rank              =
| demographics1_info1      = [[Hindi]] and [[Indian English|English]]<ref name="officiallanguage">{{Cite news |last=Ganai |first=Naseer |date=19 January 2022 |title=Urdu No More Official Language Of Ladakh |work=[[Outlook India]] |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/urdu-is-dogra-legacy-to-j-k-and-ladakh-not-kashmiri-imposition-news-38816 |access-date=8 April 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407144133/https://www.outlookindia.com/national/urdu-is-dogra-legacy-to-j-k-and-ladakh-not-kashmiri-imposition-news-38816 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_total                = 274289
| demographics1_title2    = Spoken
| population_as_of                = 2011
| demographics1_info2      = [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Purgi language|Purgi]], [[Brokskat]] and [[Balti language|Balti]]
| population_rank                =
| timezone1                = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| population_density_km2          = auto
| utc_offset1              = +05:30
| population_demonym              = [[Ladakhi people|Ladakhi]]
| iso_code                = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-LA]]
| population_footnotes            =
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| demographics_type1              = Languages
| postal_code              = [[Leh]]: 194101; [[Kargil]]: 194103
| demographics1_title1            = Official
| registration_plate      = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|LA]]<ref name="vehicleregistrationinladakh">{{citation |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214357.pdf |title=Part II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii) |work=Gazette of India, Extraordinary |date=25 November 2019 |page=2 |publisher=Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054 |access-date=4 December 2019 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130021437/http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214357.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| demographics1_info1            = [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]]
| website                  = {{URL|https://ladakh.nic.in/}}
| demographics1_title2            = Spoken
| demographics1_info2            = [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] and [[Purgi language|Purgi]]
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +05:30
| iso_code                        = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-LA]]
| postal_code_type                = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code                    = [[Leh]]: 194101; [[Kargil]]: 194103
| registration_plate              = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|LA]]<ref name="vehicleregistrationinladakh">{{citation |url= http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214357.pdf |title=Part II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii) |work=Gazette of India, Extraordinary |date=25 November 2019 |page=2 |publisher=Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054}}</ref>
| website                        = {{URL|https://ladakh.nic.in/}}
| footnotes                      =
}}
}}
[[File:Entering the Indus Valley, Ladakh coming from Lahaul.jpg|thumb|300px|Entering the [[Indus Valley]], Ladakh coming from [[Lahaul]].]]
'''Ladakh''' {{IPAc-en|l|ə||ˈ|d|ɑː|k}}<ref name=OED-Ladakhi>{{citation|title=Ladakhi, n.|last=OED Online|publisher=Oxford University Press|date=December 2020|access-date=6 March 2021|url=https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/104974|quote=/ləˈdɑːki/ A native or inhabitant of Ladakh, a district of eastern Kashmir.  Attested use: 1911  ''Encycl. Brit. XVI.'' 59/1  It [sc. Ladakh] was, however, conquered and annexed in 1834–1841 by Gulab Singh of Jammu—the unwarlike Ladakhis, even with nature fighting on their side, and against indifferent generalship, being no match for the Dogra troops.}}</ref><!--Please do not change it; a dictionary will not have an entry for "Ladakh," a proper noun, but will for the derived adjective "Ladakhi."  However, it points to the English pronunciation for "Ladakh." --> is a region administered by [[India]] as a [[union territory]]. The region constitutes a part of the larger [[Kashmir]] region, which has been the subject of dispute between India, [[Pakistan]], and [[China]] since 1947.<ref name=britannica-jammu-kashmir>{{citation |last1=Akhtar |first1=Rais |last2=Kirk |first2=William |title=Jammu and Kashmir, State, India |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |access-date=7 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent in the vicinity of the Karakoram and westernmost Himalayan mountain ranges. From 1947 to 2019, Ladakh was part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947."</ref><ref name="Jan·Osma鈔czykOsmańczyk2003">{{citation |last1=Jan·Osma鈔czyk |first1=Edmund |last2=Osmańczyk |first2=Edmund Jan |title=Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements: G to M |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSIMXHMdfkkC&pg=PA1191 |year=2003 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-0-415-93922-5 |pages=1191–}} Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir: Territory in northwestern India, subject to a dispute between India and Pakistan. It has borders with Pakistan and China."</ref> It is bordered by the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] to the east, the Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and the Pakistan-administered [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] to the west, and the southwest corner of [[Xinjiang]] across the [[Karakoram Pass]] in the far north. It extends from the [[Siachen Glacier]] in the [[Karakoram]] range to the north to the main Great [[Himalaya]]s to the south.<ref>{{harvp|Jina, Ladakh|1996}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2002/kashmir_flashpoint/default.stm|title=In Depth – Kashmir Flashpoint
|chapter-url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/default.stm |chapter=Kashmir options. Maps showing the options and pitfalls of possible solutions. The Future of Kashmir?  |work=[[BBC News]]  |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=16 April 2013}}</ref> The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited [[Aksai Chin]] plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, and has been under Chinese control since [[Sino-Indian War|1962]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Fantasy frontiers |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/indian_pakistani_and_chinese_border_disputes |access-date=24 September 2014 |newspaper=The Economist |date=8 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="GlobalSecurity">{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/india-china_conflicts.htm |title=India-China Border Dispute |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}}</ref> Until 2019, Ladakh was a region of the Indian-administered state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. In August 2019, the [[Parliament of India]] passed an [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|act]] by which Ladakh became a union territory on 31 October 2019.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/jammu-and-kashmir-crisis-live-updates-governor-reviews-security-situation-in-state/story/370856.html |title=Article 370 revoked Updates: Jammu & Kashmir is now a Union Territory, Lok Sabha passes bifurcation bill |work=[[Business Today (India)]] |date=6 August 2019 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>


In the past Ladakh gained importance from its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes,<ref name="TransHimalayan">{{cite book |last=Rizvi |first=Janet |year=2001 |title=Trans-Himalayan Caravans&nbsp;– Merchant Princes and Peasant Traders in Ladakh |publisher=Oxford India Paperbacks }}</ref> but as the Chinese authorities closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh in the 1960s, international trade dwindled. Since 1974, the [[Government of India]] has successfully encouraged [[tourism in Ladakh]]. As Ladakh is a part of the strategically important Kashmir region, the [[Indian military]] maintains a strong presence in the region.
'''Ladakh''' ({{IPAc-en|l|ə||ˈ|d|ɑː|k}})<ref name=OED-Ladakhi>{{citation |title=Ladakhi, n. |last=OED Online |publisher=Oxford University Press |date=December 2020 |access-date=6 March 2021 |url=https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/104974 |quote=/ləˈdɑːki/ A native or inhabitant of Ladakh, a district of eastern Kashmir. Attested use: 1911 ''Encycl. Brit. XVI.'' 59/1 It [sc. Ladakh] was, however, conquered and annexed in 1834–1841 by Gulab Singh of Jammu—the unwarlike Ladakhis, even with nature fighting on their side, and against indifferent generalship, being no match for the Dogra troops.}}</ref><!--Please do not change it; a dictionary will not have an entry for "Ladakh," a proper noun, but will for the derived adjective "Ladakhi." However, it points to the English pronunciation for "Ladakh." --> is a region administered by India as a [[union territory]]<ref name=ladakh-britannica-current>{{citation |chapter=Ladakh |title=Encyclopaedia Britannica |date=1 March 2021 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |chapter-url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ladakh |access-date=2 April 2022 |quote=Ladakh, large area of the northern and eastern Kashmir region, northwestern Indian subcontinent. Administratively, Ladakh is divided between Pakistan (northwest), as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, and India (southeast), as part of Ladakh union territory (until October 31, 2019, part of Jammu and Kashmir state); in addition, China administers portions of northeastern Ladakh. |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407153837/https://www.britannica.com/place/Ladakh |url-status=live }}</ref> and constitutes an eastern portion of the larger [[Kashmir]] region that has been the subject of a [[Kashmir#Kashmir_dispute|dispute]] between India and [[Pakistan]] since 1947 and India and [[China]] since 1959.<ref name=tertiary-kashmir> The application of the term "administered" to the various regions of [[Kashmir]] and a mention of the Kashmir dispute is supported by the [[WP:TERTIARY|tertiary sources]] (a) through (e), reflecting [[WP:DUE|due weight]] in the coverage. Although "controlled" and "held" are also applied neutrally to the names of the disputants or to the regions administered by them, as evidenced in sources (h) through (i) below, "held" is also considered politicized usage, as is the term "occupied," (see (j) below). <br/>
(a) {{citation|title=Kashmir, region Indian subcontinent|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent |accessdate=15 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Kashmir, region of the northwestern Indian subcontinent ... has been the subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The northern and western portions are administered by Pakistan and comprise three areas: Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, and Baltistan, the last two being part of a territory called the Northern Areas. Administered by India are the southern and southeastern portions, which constitute the state of Jammu and Kashmir but are slated to be split into two union territories.";<br/> (b) {{citation|last1=Pletcher|first1=Kenneth|title=Aksai Chin, Plateau Region, Asia|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Aksai-Chin |accessdate=16 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Aksai Chin, Chinese (Pinyin) Aksayqin, portion of the Kashmir region, at the northernmost extent of the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia. It constitutes nearly all the territory of the Chinese-administered sector of Kashmir that is claimed by India to be part of the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state."; <br/> (c) {{citation|chapter=Kashmir|title=Encyclopedia Americana|publisher=Scholastic Library Publishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_cWAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA328|year=2006|isbn=978-0-7172-0139-6|page=328}} C. E Bosworth, University of Manchester Quote: "KASHMIR, kash'mer, the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent, administered partlv by India, partly by Pakistan, and partly by China. The region has been the subject of a bitter dispute between India and Pakistan since they became independent in 1947"; <br/> (d) {{citation|last1=Osmańczyk|first1=Edmund Jan|title=Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements: G to M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSIMXHMdfkkC&pg=PA1191|year=2003|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-93922-5|pages=1191–}} Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir: Territory in northwestern India, subject to a dispute between India and Pakistan. It has borders with Pakistan and China." <br/>(e) {{citation|last=Talbot|first=Ian|title=A History of Modern South Asia: Politics, States, Diasporas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eNg_CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA28|year=2016|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-19694-8|pages=28–29}} Quote: "We move from a disputed international border to a dotted line on the map that represents a military border not recognized in international law. The line of control separates the Indian and Pakistani administered areas of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir.";  <br/> (f) {{citation|last=Skutsch|first=Carl|editor-last=Ciment|editor-first=James|title=Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War II|edition=2nd|year=2015|orig-year=2007|isbn=978-0-7656-8005-1|chapter=China: Border War with India, 1962|location=London and New York|publisher=Routledge|page=573|quote=The situation between the two nations was complicated by the 1957–1959 uprising by Tibetans against Chinese rule.  Refugees poured across the Indian border, and the Indian public was outraged.  Any compromise with China on the border issue became impossible.  Similarly, China was offended that India had given political asylum to the Dalai Lama when he fled across the border in March 1959.  In late 1959, there were shots fired between border patrols operating along both the ill-defined McMahon Line and in the Aksai Chin.}}<br/>  (g) {{citation|last=Clary|first=Christopher|year=2022|title=The Difficult Politics of Peace: Rivalry in Modern South Asia|publisher=Oxford University Press|location = Oxford and New York|isbn=9780197638408|page=109|quote=Territorial Dispute: The situation along the Sino-Indian frontier continued to worsen.  In late July (1959), an Indian reconnaissance patrol was blocked, "apprehended," and eventually expelled after three weeks in custody at the hands of a larger Chinese force near Khurnak Fort in Aksai Chin.  ... Circumstances worsened further in October 1959, when a major class at Kongka Pass in eastern Ladakh led to nine dead and ten captured Indian border personnel, making it by far the most serious Sino-Indian class since India's independence.}} <br/> (h) {{citation|last=Bose|first=Sumantra|title=Kashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ACMe9WBdNAC&pg=PA294|year=2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-02855-5|pages=294, 291, 293}} Quote: "J&K: Jammu and Kashmir. The former princely state that is the subject of the Kashmir dispute. Besides IJK (Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir. The larger and more populous part of the former princely state. It has a population of slightly over 10 million, and comprises three regions: Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh.) and AJK ('Azad" (Free) Jammu and Kashmir. The more populous part of Pakistani-controlled J&K, with a population of approximately 2.5 million.), it includes the sparsely populated "Northern Areas" of Gilgit and Baltistan, remote mountainous regions which are directly administered, unlike AJK, by the Pakistani central authorities, and some high-altitude uninhabitable tracts under Chinese control." <br/> (i) {{citation|last=Fisher|first=Michael H.|title=An Environmental History of India: From Earliest Times to the Twenty-First Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kZVuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA166|year=2018|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-107-11162-2|page=166}} Quote: "Kashmir’s identity remains hotly disputed with a UN-supervised “Line of Control” still separating Pakistani-held Azad (“Free”) Kashmir from Indian-held Kashmir."; <br/> (j) {{citation|last=Snedden|first=Christopher|title=Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5amKCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA10|year=2015|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-1-84904-621-3|page=10}} Quote:"Some politicised terms also are used to describe parts of J&K. These terms include the words 'occupied' and 'held'." 
</ref> Ladakh is bordered by the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] to the east, the Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and the Pakistan-administered [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] to the west, and the southwest corner of [[Xinjiang]] across the [[Karakoram Pass]] in the far north. It extends from the [[Siachen Glacier]] in the [[Karakoram]] range to the north to the main Great [[Himalaya]]s to the south.<ref>{{harvp|Jina, Ladakh|1996}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2002/kashmir_flashpoint/default.stm |title=In Depth – Kashmir Flashpoint |chapter-url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/default.stm |chapter=Kashmir options. Maps showing the options and pitfalls of possible solutions. The Future of Kashmir? |work=[[BBC News]] |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=16 April 2013 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129190211/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2002/kashmir_flashpoint/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited [[Aksai Chin]] plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, and has been under Chinese control since [[Sino-Indian War|1962]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Fantasy frontiers |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/indian_pakistani_and_chinese_border_disputes |access-date=24 September 2014 |newspaper=The Economist |date=8 February 2012 |archive-date=1 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801043451/http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/indian_pakistani_and_chinese_border_disputes |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In the past, Ladakh gained importance from its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes,<ref name="TransHimalayan">{{cite book |last=Rizvi |first=Janet |year=2001 |title=Trans-Himalayan Caravans&nbsp;– Merchant Princes and Peasant Traders in Ladakh |publisher=Oxford India Paperbacks}}</ref> but as Chinese authorities closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh in the 1960s, international trade dwindled. Since 1974, the [[Government of India]] has successfully encouraged [[tourism in Ladakh]]. As Ladakh is strategically important, the [[Indian military]] maintains a strong presence in the region.


The largest town in Ladakh is [[Leh]], followed by [[Kargil]], each of which headquarters a district.<ref>Osada et al. (2000), p. 298.</ref> The [[Leh district]] contains the [[Indus River|Indus]], [[Shyok River|Shyok]] and [[Nubra River|Nubra]] river valleys. The [[Kargil district]] contains the [[Suru River (Indus)|Suru]], [[Dras River|Dras]] and [[Zanskar River|Zanskar]] river valleys. The main populated regions are the river valleys, but the mountain slopes also support the pastoral [[Changpa]] nomads. The main religious groups in the region are [[Islam|Muslims]] (mainly [[Shia Islam|Shia]]) (46%), [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Buddhists]] (40%), [[Hinduism|Hindus]] (12%) and others (2%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/government-toys-with-delimitation-commission-in-j-k-1542446-2019-06-04|title=Government planning to redraw Jammu and Kashmir assembly constituency borders: Sources|first1=Kamaljit Kaur|last1=S|first2=hu New|last2=DelhiJune 4|first3=2019UPDATED|last3=June 4|first4=2019 20:00|last4=Ist|website=India Today}}</ref><ref name="Crossroads">{{cite book |last=Rizvi |first=Janet |year=1996 |title=Ladakh – Crossroads of High Asia |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] }}</ref> Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India. As its culture and history are closely related to that of [[Tibet]], it is known as the "Little Tibet".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pile |first1=Tim |title=Ladakh: the good, bad and ugly sides to India's 'Little Tibet', high in the Himalayas |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3020805/ladakh-good-bad-and-ugly-sides-indias-little-tibet |website=scmp.com |access-date=17 June 2020 |date=1 August 2019}}</ref>
The largest town in Ladakh is [[Leh]], followed by [[Kargil]], each of which headquarters a district.<ref>Osada et al. (2000), p. 298.</ref> The [[Leh district]] contains the [[Indus River|Indus]], [[Shyok River|Shyok]] and [[Nubra River|Nubra]] river valleys. The [[Kargil district]] contains the [[Suru River (Indus)|Suru]], [[Dras River|Dras]] and [[Zanskar River|Zanskar]] river valleys. The main populated regions are the river valleys, but the mountain slopes also support pastoral [[Changpa]] nomads. The main religious groups in the region are [[Islam|Muslims]] (mainly [[Shia Islam|Shia]]) (46%), [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] (mainly [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Buddhists]]) (40%), and [[Hinduism|Hindus]] (12%) with the remaining 2% made of other religions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/government-toys-with-delimitation-commission-in-j-k-1542446-2019-06-04 |title=Government planning to redraw Jammu and Kashmir assembly constituency borders: Sources |first=Kamaljit Kaur |last=Sandhu |date=4 June 2019 |website=India Today |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604185245/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/government-toys-with-delimitation-commission-in-j-k-1542446-2019-06-04 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Crossroads">{{cite book |last=Rizvi |first=Janet |year=1996 |title=Ladakh – Crossroads of High Asia |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India. Its culture and history are closely related to those of [[Tibet]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pile |first1=Tim |title=Ladakh: the good, bad and ugly sides to India's 'Little Tibet', high in the Himalayas |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3020805/ladakh-good-bad-and-ugly-sides-indias-little-tibet |newspaper=South Chinan Morning Post |date=1 August 2019 |id={{ProQuest|2267352786}} |access-date=17 June 2020 |archive-date=18 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618131904/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3020805/ladakh-good-bad-and-ugly-sides-indias-little-tibet |url-status=live }}</ref>


Ladakh is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|largest]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|second least populous]] union territory of India.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
Ladakh was established as a union territory of India on 31 October 2019, following the passage of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act]]. Prior to that, it was part of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state. Ladakh is both the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|largest]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|second least populous]] union territory of India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ladakh |url=https://www.ibef.org/states/ladakh |website=IBEF |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908173715/https://www.ibef.org/states/ladakh |url-status=live }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}


== Names ==
== Names ==
The [[Classical Tibetan|Tibetan]] and [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] name ''La-dwags'' {{Bo-textonly|ལ་དྭགས}} (historically transliterated as ''La-dvags'') means "land of high passes". ''Ladak'' is its pronunciation in several Tibetan districts. The English spelling ''Ladakh'' is derived from {{lang-fa|script=latn|ladāx}}.<ref name="Francke1992">
The classical name in {{bo|t=ལ་དྭགས|w=La dwags|s=la dak}} means the "land of high passes". ''Ladak'' is its pronunciation in several Tibetan dialects. The English spelling ''Ladakh'' is derived from {{lang-fa|script=latn|ladāx}}.<ref name="Francke1992">
{{citation|last=Francke|first=August Hermann|title=Antiquities of Indian Tibet, Volume II|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.96793/page/n353/mode/2up|year=1926|publisher=Superintendent Government Printing Press|location=Calcutta|isbn=978-81-206-0769-9|pages=93–}}
{{citation |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |title=Antiquities of Indian Tibet, Volume II |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.96793/page/n353/mode/2up |year=1926 |publisher=Superintendent Government Printing Press |location=Calcutta |isbn=978-81-206-0769-9 |pages=93–}}
Quote: Ladakh, the Persian transliteration of the Tibetan La-dvags, is warranted by the pronunciation of the word in several Tibetan districts.  The terminal ''gs'' has the sound of the guttural ''gh'' or even ''kh'' in various Tibetan dialects. (Volume II, page 93)
Quote: Ladakh, the Persian transliteration of the Tibetan La-dvags, is warranted by the pronunciation of the word in several Tibetan districts.  The terminal ''gs'' has the sound of the guttural ''gh'' or even ''kh'' in various Tibetan dialects. (Volume II, page 93)
</ref><ref>
</ref><ref>
{{citation|title=Art and Architecture in Ladakh: Cross-cultural Transmissions in the Himalayas and Karakoram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|year=2014|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-27180-7|pages=3–}} Quote: The single most important source is the ''La dvags rgyal rabs'', the royal chronicle of Ladakh, which dates back to the 17th century. At the same time literary sources need to be supplemented by evidence from inscriptions on rocks and wall paintings as well as the buildings themselves. Many of the early researchers on these topics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were either missionaries or colonial officials. The two-volume study Antiquities of Indian Tibet by the Moravian missionary August Hermann Francke marks an important early 20th century landmark. In 1909 Francke embarked on an extended research expedition under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (As1), travelling from Simla to Kinnaur and then via Spiti to Ladakh. The first volume of the Antiquities, which was published in 1914, includes a description and a preliminary analysis of the paintings in Alchi in Ladakh. The second volume (1926) contains a critical edition of the ''La dvags rgyal rabs''.
{{citation |title=Art and Architecture in Ladakh: Cross-cultural Transmissions in the Himalayas and Karakoram |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3 |year=2014 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-27180-7 |pages=3–}} Quote: The single most important source [of Ladakhi history] is the ''La dvags rgyal rabs'', the royal chronicle of Ladakh, which dates back to the 17th century.
</ref>
</ref>


The region was previously known as [[Maryul]].
The region was previously known as [[Maryul]].


Medieval Islamic scholars called Ladakh the '''Great Tibet''' (derived from Turko-Arabic ''Ti-bat'', meaning "highland"); [[Baltistan]] and other trans-Himalayan states in Kashmir's vicinity were referred to as "Little Tibets".<ref>{{citation |last=Petech |first=Luciano |author-link=Luciano Petech |title=The Kingdom of Ladakh, c.&nbsp;950–1842 A.D. |publisher=Instituto Italiano Per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente |year=1977 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/48901732/1977_Kingdom_of_Ladakh_c_950-1842_AD_by_Petech_s.pdf |via=academia.edu |page=22}}</ref><ref>{{citation |first1=H. S. |last1=Pirumshoev |first2=Ahmad Hasan |last2=Dani |author-link2=Ahmad Hasan Dani |chapter=The Pamirs, Badakhshan and the Trans-Pamir States |editor1=Chahryar Adle |editor2=Irfan Habib |title=History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. V — Development in contrast: From the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century |chapter-url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001302/130205e.pdf |date=2003 |publisher=UNESCO |isbn=978-92-3-103876-1 |pages=238–239}}: "Under Aurangzeb (1659–1707), Mughal suzerainty was also acknowledged by Ladakh ('Great Tibet') in 1665, though it was contested in 1681–3 by the Oirat or Kalmuk (Qalmaq) rulers of Tibet."</ref>{{efn|The extension of the term "Tibet" to the modern day [[Tibet]] is due to the Europeans in India in the 18th century.<ref>{{citation |last1=Bogle |first1=George |last2=Manning |first2=Thomas |title=Narratives of the Mission of George Bogle to Tibet: And of the Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Y7slbgVL4AC&pg=PR26 |year=2010 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-02255-2 |page=26}}</ref>}}
Medieval Islamic scholars called Ladakh the '''Great Tibet''' (derived from Turko-Arabic ''Ti-bat'', meaning "highland"); [[Baltistan]] and other trans-Himalayan states in Kashmir's vicinity were referred to as "Little Tibets".<ref>{{citation |last=Petech |first=Luciano |author-link=Luciano Petech |title=The Kingdom of Ladakh, c.&nbsp;950–1842 A.D. |publisher=Instituto Italiano Per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente |year=1977 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/48901732/1977_Kingdom_of_Ladakh_c_950-1842_AD_by_Petech_s.pdf |via=academia.edu |page=22}}{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{citation |first1=H. S. |last1=Pirumshoev |first2=Ahmad Hasan |last2=Dani |author-link2=Ahmad Hasan Dani |chapter=The Pamirs, Badakhshan and the Trans-Pamir States |editor1=Chahryar Adle |editor2=Irfan Habib |title=History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. V — Development in contrast: From the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century |chapter-url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001302/130205e.pdf |date=2003 |publisher=UNESCO |isbn=978-92-3-103876-1 |pages=238–239 |access-date=9 November 2020 |archive-date=10 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810224733/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001302/130205e.pdf |url-status=live }}: "Under Aurangzeb (1659–1707), Mughal suzerainty was also acknowledged by Ladakh ('Great Tibet') in 1665, though it was contested in 1681–3 by the Oirat or Kalmuk (Qalmaq) rulers of Tibet."</ref>{{efn|The extension of the term "Tibet" to the modern day [[Tibet]] is due to the Europeans in India in the 18th century.<ref>{{citation |last1=Bogle |first1=George |last2=Manning |first2=Thomas |title=Narratives of the Mission of George Bogle to Tibet: And of the Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Y7slbgVL4AC&pg=PR26 |year=2010 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-02255-2 |page=26}}</ref>}}
 
It has also been called Ma-Lo-Pho (by Hiuen Tsang) or Lal Bhumi. Names in the local language include Kanchapa (''Land of snow'') and Ripul (''Country of mountains'').{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}


== History ==
== History ==
Line 121: Line 116:
=== Ancient history ===
=== Ancient history ===
[[File:Kushanshas-Hepthalites 565ad.jpg|thumb|left|South Asia in 565 CE]]
[[File:Kushanshas-Hepthalites 565ad.jpg|thumb|left|South Asia in 565 CE]]
Rock carvings found in many parts of Ladakh indicate that the area has been inhabited from [[Neolithic]] times.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /> Ladakh's earliest inhabitants consisted of a mixed [[Indo-Aryans|Indo-Aryan]] population of ''Mons'' and ''[[Dard people|Dards]]'',<ref name="Ray">{{cite book |last=Ray |first=John |year=2005 |title=Ladakhi Histories – Local and Regional Perspectives |publisher=Koninklijke Brill NV |location=[[Leiden]], [[Netherlands]]}}</ref> who find mention in the works of [[Herodotus]],{{efn|He mentions twice a people called ''Dadikai'', first along with the ''Gandarioi'', and again in the catalogue of king [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes]]'s army invading Greece. Herodotus also mentions the gold-digging ants of Central Asia.}} and classical writers as well as the Indian [[Purana]]s.<ref name="Luciano">{{harvp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977}}</ref> Around the 1st century, Ladakh was a part of the [[Kushan Empire]]. [[Buddhism]] spread into western Ladakh from Kashmir in the 2nd century. The 7th-century Buddhist traveller [[Xuanzang]] describes the region in his accounts.<ref>{{harvp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977|p=7}}: [[Xuanzang]] describes a journey from ''Ch'u-lu-to'' (Kuluta, [[Kullu]]) to ''Lo-hu-lo'' ([[Lahul]]), then goes on saying that "from there to the north, for over 2000 ''[[Li (unit)|li]]'', the road is very difficult, with cold wind and flying snow; thus one arrives in the kingdom of ''Mo-lo-so''". Petech states, "geographically speaking, the region thus indicated is unmistakably
Ladakh."</ref> Xuanzang's term of Ladakh is ''Mo-lo-so'', which has been reconstructed by academics as ''*Malasa'', ''*Marāsa'', or ''*Mrāsa'', which is believed to have been the original name of the region.{{sfnp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977|pp=7–8}}{{sfnp|Howard & Howard, Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley|2014|p=86}}


For much of the first millennium, the western Tibet comprised [[Zhangzhung]] kingdom(s), which practised the [[Bon religion]]. Sandwiched between Kashmir and Zhangzhung, Ladakh is believed to have been alternatively under the control of one or other of these powers. Academics find strong influences of Zhangzhung language and culture in "upper Ladakh" (from the middle section of the Indus valley to the southeast).<ref>{{citation |first=Bettina |last=Zeisler |chapter=Kenhat, The Dialects of Upper Ladakh and Zanskari |title=Himalayan Languages and Linguistics: Studies in Phonology, Semantics, Morphology and Syntax |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V-R5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA293 |year=2011 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-21653-2 |pages=293}}:
Rock carvings found in many parts of Ladakh indicate that the area has been inhabited from [[Neolithic]] times.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /> Ladakh's earliest inhabitants consisted of nomads known as Kampa.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zutshi |first=Rattan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N1GlCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT126 |title=My Journey of Discovery |date=13 January 2016 |publisher=Partridge Publishing |isbn=978-1-4828-4140-4 |pages=126 |language=en}}</ref> Later settlements were established by Mons from [[Kullu]] and [[Brokpa|Brokpas]] who originated from [[Gilgit]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zutshi |first=Rattan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N1GlCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT126 |title=My Journey of Discovery |date=13 January 2016 |publisher=Partridge Publishing |isbn=978-1-4828-4140-4 |pages=126 |language=en}}</ref> Around the 1st century, Ladakh was a part of the [[Kushan Empire]]. [[Buddhism]] spread into western Ladakh from Kashmir in the 2nd century. The 7th-century Buddhist traveller [[Xuanzang]] describes the region in his accounts.<ref>{{harvp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977|p=7}}: [[Xuanzang]] describes a journey from ''Ch'u-lu-to'' (Kuluta, [[Kullu]]) to ''Lo-hu-lo'' ([[Lahul]]), then goes on saying that "from there to the north, for over 2000 ''[[Li (unit)|li]]'', the road is very difficult, with cold wind and flying snow; thus one arrives in the kingdom of ''Mo-lo-so''". Petech states, "geographically speaking, the region thus indicated is unmistakably Ladakh."</ref> Xuanzang's term of Ladakh is ''Mo-lo-so'', which has been reconstructed by academics as ''*Malasa'', ''*Marāsa'', or ''*Mrāsa'', which is believed to have been the original name of the region.{{sfnp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977|pp=7–8}}{{sfnp|Howard & Howard, Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley|2014|p=86}}
 
For much of the first millennium, western Tibet comprised [[Zhangzhung]] kingdom(s), which practised the [[Bon religion]]. Sandwiched between Kashmir and Zhangzhung, Ladakh is believed to have been alternatively under the control of one or other of these powers. Academics find strong influences of Zhangzhung language and culture in "upper Ladakh" (from the middle section of the Indus valley to the southeast).<ref>{{citation |first=Bettina |last=Zeisler |chapter=Kenhat, The Dialects of Upper Ladakh and Zanskari |title=Himalayan Languages and Linguistics: Studies in Phonology, Semantics, Morphology and Syntax |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V-R5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA293 |year=2011 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-21653-2 |pages=293}}:
"While the whole of Ladakh and adjacent regions were originally populated by speakers of Eastern Iranian (Scythian), Lower Ladakh (as well as Baltistan) was also subject to several immigration waves of Indoaryan (Dardic) speakers and other groups from Central Asia. Upper Ladakh and the neighbouring regions to the east, by contrast, seem to have been populated additionally by speakers of a non-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman language, namely West Himalayan (Old Zhangzhung;...)."</ref> The penultimate king of Zhangzhung is said to have been from Ladakh.<ref>{{citation |last=Bellezza |first=John Vincent |title=The Dawn of Tibet: The Ancient Civilization on the Roof of the World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bZFuBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA101 |year=2014 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |isbn=978-1-4422-3462-8 |page=101}}</ref>
"While the whole of Ladakh and adjacent regions were originally populated by speakers of Eastern Iranian (Scythian), Lower Ladakh (as well as Baltistan) was also subject to several immigration waves of Indoaryan (Dardic) speakers and other groups from Central Asia. Upper Ladakh and the neighbouring regions to the east, by contrast, seem to have been populated additionally by speakers of a non-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman language, namely West Himalayan (Old Zhangzhung;...)."</ref> The penultimate king of Zhangzhung is said to have been from Ladakh.<ref>{{citation |last=Bellezza |first=John Vincent |title=The Dawn of Tibet: The Ancient Civilization on the Roof of the World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bZFuBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA101 |year=2014 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |isbn=978-1-4422-3462-8 |page=101}}</ref>


From around 660 CE, Central Tibet and China started contesting the "four garrisons" of the [[Tarim Basin]] (present day [[Xinjiang]]), a struggle that lasted three centuries. Zhangzhung fell victim to Tibet's ambitions in {{circa|634}} and disappeared for ever. Kashmir's [[Karkota Empire]] and the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] too joined the contest for Xinjiang soon afterwards. Baltistan and Ladakh were at the centre of these struggles.<ref>{{harvp|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963|pp=12–15}}: "Ladakh's geographical position leaves no room for doubt that its ancient caravan routes must have often served as a path first for conquest and then for retreat of the opposing armies as they alternated between victory and defeat."</ref> Academics infer from the slant of Ladakhi chronicles that Ladakh may have owed its primary allegiance to Tibet during this time, but that it was more political than cultural. Ladakh remained Buddhist and its culture was not yet Tibetan.{{sfnp|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963|pp=15–16}}
From around 660 CE, the [[Tang dynasty]] and the [[Tibetan Empire]] started contesting the "four garrisons" of the [[Tarim Basin]] (present day [[Xinjiang]]), a struggle that lasted three centuries. Zhangzhung fell victim to Tibet's ambitions in {{circa|634}} and disappeared. India's [[Karkota Empire]] and the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] too joined the contest for Xinjiang soon afterwards. Baltistan and Ladakh were at the centre of these struggles.<ref>{{harvp|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963|pp=12–15}}: "Ladakh's geographical position leaves no room for doubt that its ancient caravan routes must have often served as a path first for conquest and then for retreat of the opposing armies as they alternated between victory and defeat."</ref> Academics infer from the slant of Ladakhi chronicles that Ladakh may have owed its primary allegiance to Tibet during this time, but that it was more political than cultural. Ladakh remained Buddhist and its culture was not yet Tibetan.{{sfnp|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963|pp=15–16}}


=== Early medieval history ===
=== Early medieval history ===
{{Further|Maryul}}
{{Further|Maryul}}
[[File:The Empire of King Nyimagon with three divisions about 975 A. D.- 1000 A.D..jpg|thumb|left|The empire of Kyide Nyimagon divided among his three sons, {{circa|930 CE}}. The border between Ladakh/Maryul and Guge-Purang is shown in a thin dotted line, north of [[Gartok]]]]
[[File:The Empire of King Nyimagon with three divisions about 975 A. D.- 1000 A.D..jpg|thumb|left|The empire of [[Kyide Nyimagon]] divided among his three sons, {{circa|930 CE}}. The border between Ladakh/Maryul and Guge-Purang is shown in a thin dotted line, north of [[Gartok]]]]
[[File:Guge in Maryul.png|thumb|right|Maryul in the 11-12th centuries, ''Historical and Commercial Atlas of China''<ref>Albert Hermann, ''Historical and Commercial Atlas of China'', Harvard University Press, 1935</ref>]]
In the 9th century, Tibet's ruler [[Langdarma]] was assassinated and Tibet [[Era of Fragmentation|fragmented]]. [[Kyide Nyimagon]], Langdarma's great-grandson, fled to West Tibet {{circa|900 CE}}, and founded a new West Tibetan kingdom at the heart of the old [[Zhangzhung]], now called [[Ngari Prefecture|Ngari]] in the Tibetan language.
In the 9th century, Tibet's ruler [[Langdarma]] was assassinated and Tibet [[Era of Fragmentation|fragmented]]. Kyide Nyimagon, Langdarma's great grandson, fled to West Tibet {{circa|900 CE}}, and founded a new West Tibetan kingdom at the heart of the old Zhangzhung, now called [[Ngari Prefecture|Ngari]] in the Tibetan language.


Nyimagon's eldest son, [[Lhachen Palgyigon]], is believed to have conquered the regions to the north, including Ladakh and [[Rutog County|Rutog]]. After the death of Nyimagon, his kingdom was divided among his three sons, Palgyigon receiving Ladakh, Rutog, [[Thok Jalung]] and an area referred to as [[Demchok Karpo]] (a holy mountain near the present day [[Demchok, Ladakh|Demchok]] village). The second son received [[Guge-Purang Kingdom|Guge–Purang]] (called "Ngari Korsum") and the third son received [[Zanskar]] and [[Spiti]] (to the southwest of Ladakh). This three-way division of Nyimagon's empire was recognised as historic and remembered in the chronicles of all the three regions as a founding narrative.
[[File:Royal drinking scene in the Dukhang at Alchi Monastery, circa 1200 CE.jpg|thumb|Royal drinking scene at [[Alchi Monastery]], Ladakh, {{Circa|1200 CE}}. The king wears a decorated [[Qaba|Qabā']], of [[Turkic languages|Turco]]-[[Persianate|Persian]] style. It is similar to [[:File:Royal drinking scene at the entrance of the western monastery at Manguy, 11th to 13th century CE.jpg|another royal scene]] at nearby [[Mangyu Monastery]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Flood |first1=Finbarr Barry |title=A Turk in the Dukhang? Comparative Perspectives on Elite Dress in Medieval Ladakh and the Caucasus |journal=Interaction in the Himalayas and Central Asia |date=2017 |publisher=Austrian Academy of Science Press |pages=231–243 |url=https://www.academia.edu/35061254 |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505021531/https://www.academia.edu/35061254 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
<blockquote>He gave to each of his sons a separate kingdom, viz., to the eldest ''Dpal-gyi-gon'', ''Maryul'' of ''Mngah-ris'', the inhabitants using black bows; ''ru-thogs'' [Rutog] of the east and the Gold-mine of ''Hgog'' [possibly Thok Jalung]; nearer this way ''Lde-mchog-dkar-po'' [Demchok Karpo]; ...</blockquote>
Nyimagon's eldest son, [[Lhachen Palgyigon]], is believed to have conquered the regions to the north, including Ladakh and [[Rutog County|Rutog]]. After the death of Nyimagon, his kingdom was divided among his three sons, Palgyigon receiving Ladakh, Rutog, [[Thok Jalung]] and an area referred to as [[Demchok Karpo]] (a holy mountain near the present-day [[Demchok, Ladakh|Demchok]] village). The second son received [[Guge-Purang Kingdom|Guge–Purang]] (called "Ngari Korsum") and the third son received [[Zanskar]] and [[Spiti]] (to the southwest of Ladakh). This three-way division of Nyimagon's empire was recognised as historic and remembered in the chronicles of all the three regions as a founding narrative.
<blockquote>He gave to each of his sons a separate kingdom, viz., to the eldest ''Dpal-gyi-gon'', ''Maryul'' of ''Mngah-ris'', the inhabitants using black bows; ''ru-thogs'' [Rutog] of the east and the Gold-mine of ''Hgog'' [possibly Thok Jalung]; nearer this way ''Lde-mchog-dkar-po'' [Demchok Karpo]; ...</blockquote>{{cn|date=February 2023}}


The first West Tibetan dynasty of [[Maryul]] founded by Palgyigon lasted five centuries, being weakened towards its end by the conquests of the Mongol/Mughal noble [[Mirza Haidar Dughlat]]. Throughout this period the region was called "Maryul", possibly from the original proper name ''*Mrasa'' (Xuangzhang's, ''Mo-lo-so''), but in the Tibetan language it was interpreted to mean "lowland" (the lowland of Ngari). Maryul remained staunchly Buddhist during this period, having participated in the second diffusion of Buddhism from India to Tibet via Kashmir and Zanskar.
The first West Tibetan dynasty of [[Maryul]] founded by Palgyigon lasted five centuries, being weakened towards its end by the conquests of the Mongol/Mughal noble [[Mirza Haidar Dughlat]]. Throughout this period the region was called "Maryul", possibly from the original proper name ''*Mrasa'' (Xuangzhang's, ''Mo-lo-so''), but in the Tibetan language it was interpreted to mean "lowland" (the lowland of Ngari). Maryul remained staunchly Buddhist during this period, having participated in the second diffusion of Buddhism from India to Tibet via Kashmir and Zanskar.


<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="120">
<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="120">
File:The 9 Stupas.jpg|The nine stupas at [[Thiksey Monastery]]
File:Alchi Rajputs.jpg|Ladakh horsemen, depicted in [[Alchi Monastery]], circa 13th century CE
File:The 9 Stupas.jpg|The nine  
[[stupa]]s at [[Thiksey Monastery]]
File:Likir Buddha.jpg|Statue of [[Maitreya]] at [[Likir Monastery]], [[Leh district]]
File:Likir Buddha.jpg|Statue of [[Maitreya]] at [[Likir Monastery]], [[Leh district]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
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=== Medieval history ===
=== Medieval history ===
{{Main|Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh}}
{{Main|Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh}}
[[File:Leh Palace and Jama Masjid minarets.jpg|thumb|right|Jama Masjid of Leh next to the Leh Palace]]
[[File:Leh Palace and Jama Masjid minarets.jpg|thumb|right|Jama Masjid of Leh next to the Leh Palace]]


Between the 1380s and early 1510s, many Islamic missionaries propagated Islam and proselytised the Ladakhi people. [[Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani|Sayyid Ali Hamadani]], [[Shah Syed Muhammad Nurbakhsh Qahistani|Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh]] and [[Mir Shamsuddin Iraqi]] were three important Sufi missionaries who propagated Islam to the locals. Mir Sayyid Ali was the first one to make Muslim converts in Ladakh and is often described as the founder of Islam in Ladakh. Several mosques were built in Ladakh during this period, including in Mulbhe, [[Padum]] and [[Shey]], the capital of Ladakh.<ref name="Howard">{{citation |first=Neil |last=Howard |chapter=History of Ladakh |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 6 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |page=122 |isbn=9788120814325 |year=1997 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4jX552GiSmYC&pg=PA122}}</ref><ref name="Sheikh">{{citation |first=Abdul Ghani |last=Sheikh |chapter=A Brief History of Muslims in Ladakh |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|page=189|isbn=9788120814042|year=1995 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&pg=PA189}}</ref> His principal disciple, Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh also propagated Islam to Ladakhis and the [[Balti people]] rapidly converted to Islam. [[Noorbakshia Islam]] is named after him and his followers are only found in Baltistan and Ladakh. During his youth, [[Sultan]] [[Zain-ul-Abidin]] expelled the mystic [[Nund Rishi|Sheikh Zain Shahwalli]] for showing disrespect to him. The sheikh then went to Ladakh and proselytised many people to Islam. In 1505, Shamsuddin Iraqi, a noted Shia scholar, visited Kashmir and Baltistan. He helped in spreading Shia Islam in Kashmir and converted the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Baltistan to his school of thought.<ref name="Sheikh" />
Between the 1380s and early 1510s, many Islamic missionaries propagated [[Islam]] and proselytised the Ladakhi people. [[Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani|Sayyid Ali Hamadani]], [[Shah Syed Muhammad Nurbakhsh Qahistani|Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh]] and [[Mir Shamsuddin Iraqi]] were three important Sufi missionaries who propagated Islam to the locals. Mir Sayyid Ali was the first one to make Muslim converts in Ladakh and is often described as the founder of Islam in Ladakh. Several mosques were built in Ladakh during this period, including in Mulbhe, [[Padum]] and [[Shey]], the capital of Ladakh.<ref name="Howard">{{citation |first=Neil |last=Howard |chapter=History of Ladakh |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 6 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |page=122 |isbn=9788120814325 |year=1997 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4jX552GiSmYC&pg=PA122}}</ref><ref name="Sheikh">{{citation |first=Abdul Ghani |last=Sheikh |chapter=A Brief History of Muslims in Ladakh |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |page=189 |isbn=9788120814042 |year=1995 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&pg=PA189}}</ref> His principal disciple, Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh also propagated Islam to Ladakhis and the [[Balti people]] rapidly converted to Islam. [[Noorbakshia Islam]] is named after him and his followers are only found in Baltistan and Ladakh. During his youth, [[Sultan]] [[Zain-ul-Abidin]] expelled the mystic [[Nund Rishi|Sheikh Zain Shahwalli]] for showing disrespect to him. The sheikh then went to Ladakh and proselytised many people to Islam. In 1505, Shamsuddin Iraqi, a noted Shia scholar, visited Kashmir and Baltistan. He helped in spreading Shia Islam in Kashmir and converted the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Baltistan to his school of thought.<ref name="Sheikh" />
 
[[File:Ladakh Monastery.jpg|thumb|left|[[Thikse Monastery]], Ladakh]]
[[File:Ladakh Monastery.jpg|thumb|left|[[Thikse Monastery]], Ladakh]]


It is unclear what happened to Islam after this period and it seems to have received a setback. [[Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat]] who invaded and briefly conquered Ladakh in 1532, 1545 and 1548, does not record any presence of Islam in Leh during his invasion although Shia Islam and Noorbakshia Islam continued to flourish in other regions of Ladakh.<ref name="Howard" /><ref name="Sheikh" />
It is unclear what happened to Islam after this period and it seems to have received a setback. [[Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat]] who invaded and briefly conquered Ladakh in 1532, 1545 and 1548, does not record any presence of Islam in [[Leh]] during his invasion although Shia Islam and Noorbakshia Islam continued to flourish in other regions of Ladakh.<ref name="Howard" /><ref name="Sheikh" />


King [[Bhagan]] reunited and strengthened Ladakh and founded the [[Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh|Namgyal dynasty]] (''Namgyal'' means "victorious" in several Tibetan languages). The Namgyals repelled most Central Asian raiders and temporarily extended the kingdom as far as Nepal.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /> During the Balti invasion led by [[Raja]] [[Ali Sher Khan Anchan]], many Buddhist temples and artefacts were damaged. Ali Sher Khan took the king and his soldiers as captives. Jamyang Namgyal was later restored to the throne by Ali Sher Khan and given the hand of a Muslim princess in marriage. Her name was Gyal Khatun or Argyal Khatoom. She was to be the first queen and her son was to become the next ruler. Historical accounts differ upon who her father was. Some identify Ali's ally and Raja of [[Khaplu]] Yabgo Shey Gilazi as her father, while others identify Ali himself as the father.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4VuovXa5YUC&q=ali%20sher%20khan%20daughter&pg=PA140 |title=Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history |date=1 January 2001 |publisher=Indus Publishing |access-date=19 December 2016 |via=Google Books |isbn=9788173871245}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8J3YdskW00sC&q=ali+sher+khan+daughter&pg=PA49 |title=Ladakh Through the Ages, Towards a New Identity |isbn=9788185182759 |last1=Kaul |first1=Shridhar |last2=Kaul |first2=H. N. |year=1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjhcZgDy-WMC&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA149 |title=Ladakh |isbn=9788173870576 |last1=Jina |first1=Prem Singh |year=1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA190 |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |isbn=9788120814042 |last1=Osmaston |first1=Henry |last2=Denwood |first2=Philip |year=1995}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8eReFv7cVZ0C&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA46 |title=Ladakh |isbn=9788179750124 |last1=Bora |first1=Nirmala |year=2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg8My6WaWRcC&pg=PA60 |title=Rediscovery of Ladakh |isbn=9788173870866 |last1=Kaul |first1=H. N. |year=1998}}</ref> In the early 17th century efforts were made to restore the destroyed artefacts and ''gonpas'' by [[Sengge Namgyal]], the son of Jamyang and Gyal. He expanded the kingdom into [[Zanskar|Zangskar]] and [[Spiti]]. Despite a defeat of Ladakh by the [[Mughals]], who had already annexed Kashmir and Baltistan, Ladakh retained its independence.
King [[Bhagan]] reunited and strengthened Ladakh and founded the [[Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh|Namgyal dynasty]] (''Namgyal'' means "victorious" in several Tibetan languages). The Namgyals repelled most Central Asian raiders and temporarily extended the kingdom as far as Nepal.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /> During the Balti invasion led by [[Raja]] [[Ali Sher Khan Anchan]], many Buddhist temples and artefacts were damaged. Ali Sher Khan took the king and his soldiers as captives. Jamyang Namgyal was later restored to the throne by Ali Sher Khan and given the hand of a Muslim princess in marriage. Her name was Gyal Khatun or Argyal Khatoom. She was to be the first queen and her son was to become the next ruler. Historical accounts differ upon who her father was. Some identify Ali's ally and Raja of [[Khaplu]] Yabgo Shey Gilazi as her father, while others identify Ali himself as the father.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4VuovXa5YUC&q=ali%20sher%20khan%20daughter&pg=PA140 |title=Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history |date=1 January 2001 |publisher=Indus Publishing |access-date=19 December 2016 |via=Google Books |isbn=9788173871245}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8J3YdskW00sC&q=ali+sher+khan+daughter&pg=PA49 |title=Ladakh Through the Ages, Towards a New Identity |isbn=9788185182759 |last1=Kaul |first1=Shridhar |last2=Kaul |first2=H. N. |year=1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjhcZgDy-WMC&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA149 |title=Ladakh |isbn=9788173870576 |last1=Jina |first1=Prem Singh |year=1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA190 |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |isbn=9788120814042 |last1=Osmaston |first1=Henry |last2=Denwood |first2=Philip |year=1995}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8eReFv7cVZ0C&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA46 |title=Ladakh |isbn=9788179750124 |last1=Bora |first1=Nirmala |year=2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg8My6WaWRcC&pg=PA60 |title=Rediscovery of Ladakh |isbn=9788173870866 |last1=Kaul |first1=H. N. |year=1998}}</ref> In the early 17th century efforts were made to restore the destroyed artefacts and ''gonpas'' by [[Sengge Namgyal]], the son of Jamyang and Gyal. He expanded the kingdom into [[Zanskar|Zangskar]] and [[Spiti]]. Despite a defeat of Ladakh by the [[Mughals]], who had already annexed Kashmir and Baltistan, Ladakh retained its independence.
[[File:The empire of King Tsewang Rnam Rgyal 1., and that of King Jamyang Rnam Rgyal., about 1560 and 1600 A.D.jpg|thumb|right|The empire of kings Tsewang Namgyal and Jamyang Namgyal, about 1560–1600 CE]]
[[File:The empire of King Tsewang Rnam Rgyal 1., and that of King Jamyang Rnam Rgyal., about 1560 and 1600 A.D.jpg|thumb|right|The empire of kings Tsewang Namgyal and Jamyang Namgyal, about 1560–1600 CE]]


[[File:Cham dance during Dosmoche festival in Leh Palace DSCN5692 1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Cham dance]] during [[Dosmoche]] festival in [[Leh Palace]]]]
[[File:Cham dance during Dosmoche festival in Leh Palace DSCN5692 1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Cham dance]] during [[Dosmoche]] festival in [[Leh Palace]]]]
[[Islam]] begins to take root in the Leh area in the beginning of the 17th century after the Balti invasion and the marriage of Gyal to Jamyang. A large group of Muslim servants and musicians were sent along with Gyal to Ladakh and private mosques were built where they could pray. The Muslim musicians later settled in Leh. Several hundred Baltis migrated to the kingdom and according to oral tradition many Muslim traders were granted land to settle. Many other Muslims were invited over the following years for various purposes.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&q=17th+century+islam+leh&pg=PA190 |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |isbn=9788120814042 |last1=Osmaston |first1=Henry |last2=Denwood |first2=Philip |year=1995}}</ref>
Islam begins to take root in the Leh area in the beginning of the 17th century after the Balti invasion and the marriage of Gyal to Jamyang. A large group of Muslim servants and musicians were sent along with Gyal to Ladakh and private mosques were built where they could pray. The Muslim musicians later settled in Leh. Several hundred Baltis migrated to the kingdom and according to oral tradition many Muslim traders were granted land to settle. Many other Muslims were invited over the following years for various purposes.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&q=17th+century+islam+leh&pg=PA190 |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |isbn=9788120814042 |last1=Osmaston |first1=Henry |last2=Denwood |first2=Philip |year=1995}}</ref>


In the late 17th century, Ladakh sided with [[Bhutan]] in its dispute with Tibet which, among other reasons, resulted in its invasion by the [[Ganden Phodrang|Tibetan Central Government]]. This event is known as the [[Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal war]] of 1679–1684.<ref>See the following studies (1) Halkias, T. Georgios(2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684," in ''Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques'', ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp. 59–79; (2) Emmer, Gerhard(2007) "Dga' ldan tshe dbang dpal bzang po and the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War of 1679–84," in ''The Mongolia-Tibet Interface. Opening new Research Terrains in Inner Asia'', eds. Uradyn Bulag, Hildegard Diemberger, Leiden, Brill, pp. 81–107; (3) Ahmad, Zahiruddin (1968) "New Light on the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War of 1679–84." ''East and West'', XVIII, 3, pp. 340–361; (4) Petech, Luciano(1947) "The Tibet-Ladakhi Moghul War of 1681–83." ''The Indian Historical Quarterly'', XXIII, 3, pp. 169–199.</ref> Kashmiri historians assert that the king converted to Islam in return for the assistance by Mughal Empire after this however Ladakhi chronicles do not mention such a thing. The king agreed to pay tribute to the Mughals in return for defending the kingdom.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6y2E9gw5oIC&q=deldan+namgyal&pg=PA34 |title=India-China Border Dispute |isbn=9788170249641 |last1=Sali |first1=M. L. |year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg8My6WaWRcC&q=delek+namgyal&pg=PA63 |title=Rediscovery of Ladakh |isbn=9788173870866 |last1=Kaul |first1=H. N. |year=1998}}</ref> The Mughals however withdrew after being paid off by the [[5th Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Johan Elverskog |title=Buddhism and Islam on the Silk Road |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7_4Gr9Q438C&pg=PA223 |date=6 June 2011 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-0531-2 |pages=223–}}</ref> With the help of reinforcements from [[Galdan Boshugtu Khan]], [[Khan (title)|Khan]] of the [[Zunghar Khanate|Zungar Empire]], the Tibetans attacked again in 1684. The Tibetans were victorious and concluded a treaty with Ladakh then they retreated back to [[Lhasa]] in December 1684. The Treaty of Tingmosgang in 1684 settled the dispute between Tibet and Ladakh but severely restricted Ladakh's independence.
In the late 17th century, Ladakh sided with [[Bhutan]] in its dispute with Tibet which, among other reasons, resulted in its invasion by the [[Ganden Phodrang|Tibetan Central Government]]. This event is known as the [[Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal War|Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal war]] of 1679–1684.<ref>See the following studies (1) Halkias, T. Georgios(2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684," in ''Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques'', ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp. 59–79; (2) Emmer, Gerhard(2007) "Dga' ldan tshe dbang dpal bzang po and the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War of 1679–84," in ''The Mongolia-Tibet Interface. Opening new Research Terrains in Inner Asia'', eds. Uradyn Bulag, Hildegard Diemberger, Leiden, Brill, pp. 81–107; (3) Ahmad, Zahiruddin (1968) "New Light on the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War of 1679–84." ''East and West'', XVIII, 3, pp. 340–361; (4) Petech, Luciano(1947) "The Tibet-Ladakhi Moghul War of 1681–83." ''The Indian Historical Quarterly'', XXIII, 3, pp. 169–199.</ref> Kashmiri historians assert that the king converted to Islam in return for the assistance by Mughal Empire after this, however, Ladakhi chronicles do not mention such a thing. The king agreed to pay tribute to the Mughals in return for defending the kingdom.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6y2E9gw5oIC&q=deldan+namgyal&pg=PA34 |title=India-China Border Dispute |isbn=9788170249641 |last1=Sali |first1=M. L. |year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg8My6WaWRcC&q=delek+namgyal&pg=PA63 |title=Rediscovery of Ladakh |isbn=9788173870866 |last1=Kaul |first1=H. N. |year=1998}}</ref> The Mughals, however, withdrew after being paid off by the [[5th Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Johan Elverskog |title=Buddhism and Islam on the Silk Road |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7_4Gr9Q438C&pg=PA223 |date=6 June 2011 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-0531-2 |pages=223–}}</ref> With the help of reinforcements from [[Galdan Boshugtu Khan]], [[Khan (title)|Khan]] of the [[Dzungar Khanate|Zungar Empire]], the Tibetans attacked again in 1684. The Tibetans were victorious and concluded a treaty with Ladakh then they retreated back to [[Lhasa]] in December 1684. The Treaty of Tingmosgang in 1684 settled the dispute between Tibet and Ladakh but severely restricted Ladakh's independence.


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=== Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir ===
=== Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir ===
{{Main|Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)}}
{{Main|Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)}}
[[File:Kashmir map.svg|thumb|The disputed territory of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir: divided between [[Pakistan-administered Kashmir|Pakistan]] (green), [[India-administered Kashmir|India]] (blue) and [[China administered Kashmir|China]] (yellow)]]
[[File:Kashmir map.svg|thumb|The disputed territory of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir: divided between [[Pakistan-administered Kashmir|Pakistan]] (green), [[India-administered Kashmir|India]] (blue) and [[China administered Kashmir|China]] (yellow)]]
In 1834, the [[Sikh]] [[General Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]], a general of [[Gulab Singh|Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu]], invaded and annexed Ladakh to Jammu under the suzerainty of the [[Sikh Empire]]. After the defeat of the Sikhs in the [[First Anglo-Sikh War]], the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] was established as a separate [[princely state]] under British [[British Empire|suzerainty]]. The Namgyal family was given the ''[[jagir]]'' of [[Stok]], which it nominally retains to this day. European influence began in Ladakh in the 1850s and increased. Geologists, sportsmen, and tourists began exploring Ladakh. In 1885, [[Leh]] became the headquarters of a mission of the [[Moravian Church]].
[[File:"BRITISH JOINT COMMISSIONER LADAKH" ink stamp in 1902 detail, from- A Tibetan-English Dictionary with Sanskrit Synonyms (page 9 crop).jpg|left|thumb|Ink stamp in English and Urdu: "British Joint Commissioner Ladakh" (1902)]]
Ladakh was administered as a ''wazarat'' during the Dogra rule, with a governor termed ''wazir-e-wazarat''. It had three tehsils, based at [[Leh]], [[Skardu]] and [[Kargil]]. The headquarters of the ''wazarat'' was at [[Leh]] for six months of the year and at [[Skardu]] for six months. When the legislative assembly called ''Praja Sabha'' was established in 1934, Ladakh was given two nominated seats in the assembly.


Ladakh was claimed as part of Tibet by [[Phuntsok Wangyal]], a Tibetan Communist leader.<ref name="TuttleSchaeffer2013">{{cite book |author1=Gray Tuttle |author2=Kurtis R. Schaeffer |title=The Tibetan History Reader |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J7urAgAAQBAJ&q=ladakh+pan+tibetan&pg=PA603 |date=12 March 2013 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-14468-1 |pages=603–}}</ref>
In 1834, the [[Sikh]] [[General Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]], a general of [[Gulab Singh|Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu]], invaded and annexed Ladakh to Jammu under the suzerainty of the [[Sikh Empire]]. After the defeat of the Sikhs in the [[First Anglo-Sikh War]], the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] was established as a separate [[princely state]] under British [[British Empire|suzerainty]]. The Namgyal family was given the ''[[jagir]]'' of [[Stok]], which it nominally retains to this day. European influence began in Ladakh in the 1850s and increased. Geologists, sportsmen, and tourists began exploring Ladakh. In 1885, Leh became the headquarters of a mission of the [[Moravian Church]].
 
Ladakh was administered as a ''wazarat'' under [[Dogra]] rule, with a governor termed ''wazir-e-wazarat''. It had three tehsils, based at Leh, [[Skardu]] and [[Kargil]]. The headquarters of the ''wazarat'' was at Leh for six months of the year and at [[Skardu]] for six months. When the legislative assembly, called ''Praja Sabha'', was established in 1934, Ladakh was given two nominated seats in the assembly.
 
Ladakh was claimed as part of Tibet by [[Phuntsok Wangyal]], a Tibetan [[Communist]] leader.<ref name="TuttleSchaeffer2013">{{cite book |author1=Gray Tuttle |author2=Kurtis R. Schaeffer |title=The Tibetan History Reader |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J7urAgAAQBAJ&q=ladakh+pan+tibetan&pg=PA603 |date=12 March 2013 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-14468-1 |pages=603–}}</ref>


=== Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir ===
=== Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir ===
{{Main|Jammu and Kashmir (state)}}
{{Main|Jammu and Kashmir (state)}}
At the time of the [[partition of India]] in 1947, the Dogra ruler [[Maharaja]] [[Hari Singh]] signed the [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|Instrument of Accession]] to India. Pakistani raiders from [[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit]] had reached Ladakh and military operations were initiated to evict them. The wartime conversion of the pony trail from [[Sonamarg]] to [[Zoji La]] by army engineers permitted tanks to move up and successfully capture the pass. The advance continued. [[Dras]], Kargil and Leh were liberated and Ladakh cleared of the infiltrators.<ref name="Madras_Sappers">Menon, P.M & Proudfoot, C.L., ''The [[Madras Sappers]], 1947–1980'', 1989, Thomson Press, Faridabad, India.</ref>


In 1949, China closed the border between [[Nubra Valley|Nubra]] and [[Xinjiang]], blocking old trade routes. In 1955 China began to build roads connecting Xinjiang and Tibet through the [[Aksai Chin]] area. The Indian effort to retain control of Aksai Chin led to the [[Sino-Indian War]] of 1962, which India lost. China also built the [[Karakoram highway]] jointly with Pakistan. India built the [[Srinagar-Leh Highway]] during this period, cutting the journey time between Srinagar and Leh from 16 days to two. The route, however, remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Construction of a {{cvt|6.5|km|adj=on}} tunnel across Zoji La pass is under consideration to make the route functional throughout the year.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-may-clear-all-weather-tunnel-to-Leh-today/articleshow/14971889.cms |title=Government may clear all weather tunnel to Leh today |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 July 2012 |first1=Dipak K. |last1=Dash |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>
At the time of the [[partition of India]] in 1947, the Dogra ruler [[Maharaja]] [[Hari Singh]] chose to remain independent of India or Pakistan.  Pakistani soldiers from [[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit]] invaded in October and had reached Ladakh.  To get defense assistance from India, Singh was told by Nehru to sign the [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|Instrument of Accession]] to India, and military operations were initiated to counter the invasion. The wartime conversion of the pony trail from [[Sonamarg]] to [[Zoji La]] by army engineers permitted tanks to move up and successfully capture the pass. The advance continued. [[Dras]], Kargil and Leh were liberated and Ladakh cleared of the infiltrators.<ref name="Madras_Sappers">Menon, P.M & Proudfoot, C.L., ''The [[Madras Sappers]], 1947–1980'', 1989, Thomson Press, Faridabad, India.</ref>
 
In 1949, China closed the border between [[Nubra Valley|Nubra]] and [[Xinjiang]], blocking old trade routes. In 1955 China began to build roads connecting Xinjiang and Tibet through the [[Aksai Chin]] area. The Indian effort to retain control of Aksai Chin led to the [[Sino-Indian War]] of 1962, which India lost. China also built the [[Karakoram highway]] jointly with Pakistan. India built the [[Srinagar-Leh Highway]] during this period, cutting the journey time between Srinagar and Leh from 16 days to two. The route, however, remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Construction of a {{cvt|6.5|km|adj=on}} tunnel across Zoji La pass is under consideration to make the route functional throughout the year.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-may-clear-all-weather-tunnel-to-Leh-today/articleshow/14971889.cms |title=Government may clear all weather tunnel to Leh today |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 July 2012 |first1=Dipak K. |last1=Dash |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409134724/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-may-clear-all-weather-tunnel-to-Leh-today/articleshow/14971889.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Srinagar Leh National Highway No 1.jpg|thumb|left|National Highway No 1]]
[[File:Srinagar Leh National Highway No 1.jpg|thumb|left|National Highway No 1]]
The [[Kargil War]] of 1999, codenamed "Operation Vijay" by the [[Indian Army]], saw infiltration by Pakistani troops into parts of Western Ladakh, namely Kargil, Dras, [[Mushkoh Valley|Mushkoh]], Batalik and Chorbatla, overlooking key locations on the [[National Highway 1 (India)|Srinagar-Leh highway]]. Extensive operations were launched in high altitudes by the Indian Army with considerable artillery and air force support. Pakistani troops were evicted from the Indian side of the [[Line of Control]] which the Indian government ordered was to be respected and which was not crossed by Indian troops. The Indian government was criticised by the Indian public because India respected geographical co-ordinates more than India's opponents: Pakistan and China.<ref name="Bammi">Bammi, Y.M., ''Kargil 1999 – the impregnable conquered.'' (2002) Natraj Publishers, Dehradun.</ref>{{page needed|date=March 2018}}
The [[Kargil War]] of 1999, codenamed "Operation Vijay" by the [[Indian Army]], saw infiltration by Pakistani troops into parts of Western Ladakh, namely Kargil, Dras, [[Mushkoh Valley|Mushkoh]], Batalik and Chorbatla, overlooking key locations on the [[National Highway 1 (India)|Srinagar-Leh highway]]. Extensive operations were launched in high altitudes by the Indian Army with considerable artillery and air force support. Pakistani troops were evicted from the Indian side of the [[Line of Control]] which the Indian government ordered was to be respected and which was not crossed by Indian troops. The Indian government was criticised by the Indian public because India respected geographical co-ordinates more than India's opponents: Pakistan and China.<ref name="Bammi">Bammi, Y.M., ''Kargil 1999 – the impregnable conquered.'' (2002) Natraj Publishers, Dehradun.</ref>{{page needed|date=March 2018}}


The Ladakh region was divided into the Kargil and Leh districts in 1979. In 1989, there were violent riots between Buddhists and Muslims. Following demands for autonomy from the [[Kashmiri people|Kashmiri]] dominated state government, the [[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil|Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council]] was created in the 1990s. [[Leh district|Leh]] and [[Kargil district|Kargil]] districts now each have their own locally elected Hill Councils with some control over local policy and development funds. In 1991, a [[Peace Pagoda]] was erected in Leh by [[Nipponzan Myohoji]].
The Ladakh region was divided into the Kargil and Leh districts in 1979. In 1989, there were violent riots between Buddhists and Muslims. Following demands for autonomy from the [[Kashmiris|Kashmiri]]-dominated state government, the [[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil|Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council]] was created in the 1990s. [[Leh district|Leh]] and [[Kargil district|Kargil]] districts now each have their own locally elected Hill Councils with some control over local policy and development funds. In 1991, a [[Peace Pagoda]] was erected in Leh by [[Nipponzan Myohoji]].


There was a heavy presence of [[Indian Army]] and [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] forces in Ladakh. These forces and [[People's Liberation Army]] forces from China have, since the 1962 [[Sino-Indian War]], had frequent stand-offs along the Lakakh portion of the [[Line of Actual Control]]. Out of the {{convert|857|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} border in Ladakh, only {{cvt|368|km}} is the International Border, and the remaining {{cvt|489|km}} is [[Line of Actual Control]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-ladakh-warning-india-china-border-dispute-6427131/ |title=As China intrudes across LAC, India must be alert to a larger strategic shift |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=26 May 2020 |first1=Phunchok |last1=Stobdan |author-link=Phunchok Stobdan |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/ladakh-concern-overrides-lac-dispute-90880 |title=Ladakh concern overrides LAC dispute |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |date=28 May 2020 |first1=Phunchok |last1=Stobdan |author-link=Phunchok Stobdan |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> The stand-off involving the most troops was in September 2014 in the disputed [[Chumar]] region when 800 to 1,000 Indian troops and 1,500 Chinese troops came into close proximity to each other.<ref>{{cite news |first=Pranav |last=Kulkarni |title=Ground report: Half of Chinese troops leave, rest to follow |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=26 September 2014 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/chinese-troops-start-withdrawing-from-chumar/ |access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref>
There was a heavy presence of Indian Army and [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] forces in Ladakh. These forces and [[People's Liberation Army]] forces from China have, since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, had frequent stand-offs along the Ladakh portion of the [[Line of Actual Control]]. Out of the {{convert|857|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} border in Ladakh, only {{cvt|368|km}} is the International Border, and the remaining {{cvt|489|km}} is the Line of Actual Control.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-ladakh-warning-india-china-border-dispute-6427131/ |title=As China intrudes across LAC, India must be alert to a larger strategic shift |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=26 May 2020 |first1=Phunchok |last1=Stobdan |author-link=Phunchok Stobdan |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=3 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603091935/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-ladakh-warning-india-china-border-dispute-6427131/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/ladakh-concern-overrides-lac-dispute-90880 |title=Ladakh concern overrides LAC dispute |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |date=28 May 2020 |first1=Phunchok |last1=Stobdan |author-link=Phunchok Stobdan |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802234811/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/ladakh-concern-overrides-lac-dispute-90880 |url-status=live }}</ref> The stand-off involving the most troops was in September 2014 in the disputed [[Chumar]] region when 800 to 1,000 Indian troops and 1,500 Chinese troops came into close proximity to each other.<ref>{{cite news |first=Pranav |last=Kulkarni |title=Ground report: Half of Chinese troops leave, rest to follow |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=26 September 2014 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/chinese-troops-start-withdrawing-from-chumar/ |access-date=12 December 2014 |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216114909/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/chinese-troops-start-withdrawing-from-chumar/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==== Ladakh Division ====
==== Ladakh Division ====
On 8 February 2019, Ladakh became a separate [[Divisions of India|Revenue and Administrative Division]] within Jammu and Kashmir, having previously been part of the [[Kashmir Division]]. As a division, Ladakh was granted its own [[Divisional Commissioner]] and [[Inspector General of Police]].<ref>[https://jkgad.nic.in/common/showOrder.aspx?actCode=S28568 Notification, Jammu, 8 February 2019] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626170606/http://jkgad.nic.in/common/showOrder.aspx?actCode=S28568 |date=26 June 2019 }}, Government of Jammu and Kashmir</ref>


In February 2019, Ladakh became a separate [[Divisions of India|Revenue and Administrative Division]] within Jammu and Kashmir, having previously been part of the [[Kashmir Division]]. As a division, Ladakh was granted its own [[Divisional Commissioner]] and [[Inspector General of Police]].<ref>[https://jkgad.nic.in/common/showOrder.aspx?actCode=S28568 Notification, Jammu, 8 February 2019], Government of Jammu and Kashmir</ref>
Leh was initially chosen to be the headquarters of the new division however, following protests, it was announced that Leh and Kargil will jointly serve as the divisional headquarters, each hosting an Additional Divisional Commissioner to assist the Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police who will spend half their time in each town.<ref name="kln">{{Cite web |url=https://kashmirlife.net/ladakh-division-headquarters-to-shuttle-between-leh-and-kargil-governor-malik-201719/ |title=Ladakh division headquarters to shuttle between Leh and Kargil: Governor Malik |date=15 February 2019 |access-date=19 August 2019 |archive-date=19 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819192516/https://kashmirlife.net/ladakh-division-headquarters-to-shuttle-between-leh-and-kargil-governor-malik-201719/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Leh was initially chosen to be the headquarters of the new division however, following protests, it was announced that Leh and Kargil will jointly serve as the divisional headquarters, each hosting an Additional Divisional Commissioner to assist the Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police who will spend half their time in each town.<ref name="kln">{{Cite web | url=https://kashmirlife.net/ladakh-division-headquarters-to-shuttle-between-leh-and-kargil-governor-malik-201719/ |title = Ladakh division headquarters to shuttle between Leh and Kargil: Governor Malik|date = 15 February 2019}}</ref>
=== Union territory of Ladakh ===
{{See also|Ladakh Union Territory Front}}


=== Union territory of Ladakh ===
[[File:J,K and L - Indian Union Territories.jpg|thumb|Ladakh (L) shown in the wider Kashmir region]]
[[File:J,K and L - Indian Union Territories.jpg|thumb|J&K and Ladakh - Indian Union Territories]]
 
Some activists from Leh in recent times called for Ladakh to be constituted as a [[union territory]] because of perceived unfair treatment by Kashmir and Ladakh's cultural differences with predominantly Muslim [[Kashmir valley]], while some people in Kargil opposed union territory status for Ladakh.<ref name="LoramCharlie">{{cite book |last=Loram |first=Charlie |orig-year=2000 |year=2004 |title=Trekking in Ladakh |edition=2nd |publisher=Trailblazer Publications }}</ref><ref name="Statesman">{{cite web |year=2003 |url=http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/archives/archives2003/kashmir20030809c.html | title=Kargil Council For Greater Ladakh |publisher=The Statesman, 9 August 2003 |access-date=22 August 2006}}</ref>
The people of Ladakh had been demanding Ladakh to be constituted as a separate territory since 1930s,  because of perceived unfair treatment by Kashmir and Ladakh's cultural differences with predominantly Muslim [[Kashmir valley]], while some people in Kargil opposed union territory status for Ladakh.<ref name="LoramCharlie">{{cite book |last=Loram |first=Charlie |orig-year=2000 |year=2004 |title=Trekking in Ladakh |edition=2nd |publisher=Trailblazer Publications}}</ref><ref name="Statesman">{{cite web |year=2003 |url=http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/archives/archives2003/kashmir20030809c.html |title=Kargil Council For Greater Ladakh |publisher=The Statesman, 9 August 2003 |access-date=22 August 2006 |archive-date=19 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019135641/http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/archives/archives2003/kashmir20030809c.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first organized agitation was launched against Kashmir's "dominance" in the year 1964. In late 1980s, a much larger mass agitation was launched to press their demand for [[union territory]] status.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ladakh had been demanding UT status for a long time |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ladakh-had-been-demanding-ut-status-for-a-long-time/1590927 |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512060254/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ladakh-had-been-demanding-ut-status-for-a-long-time/1590927 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In August 2019, a [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019|reorganisation act]] was passed by the [[Parliament of India]] which contained provisions to reconstitute Ladakh as a [[union territory]], separate from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir on 31 October 2019.<ref name="egazette.nic.in" /><ref name="auto" /><ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bill-to-bifurcate-jammu-and-kashmir-into-2-union-territories-passed-by-rajya-sabha-2080688 Already, Rajya Sabha Clears J&K As Union Territory Instead Of State], NDTV, 5 August 2019.</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%20Reorganisation%20Bill%2C%202019.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 |issue=Bill No. XXIX of 2019 |work=Ministry of Home Affairs |date=2019}}</ref> Under the terms of the act, the union territory is administered by a [[Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]] acting on behalf of the Central Government of India and does not have an elected legislative assembly or chief minister. Each district within the union territory continues to elect an [[autonomous district council]] as done previously.<ref name="dailyexcelsior.com">{{Cite news |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] | url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lahdc-act-would-continue-and-the-amendments-of-2018-to-be-protected-governor/ | title=LAHDC Act would continue and the Amendments of 2018 to be protected: Governor| date=30 August 2019 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>
In August 2019, a [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019|reorganisation act]] was passed by the [[Parliament of India]] which contained provisions to reconstitute Ladakh as a union territory, separate from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir on 31 October 2019.<ref name="egazette.nic.in" /><ref name="auto">{{Cite news |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/jammu-and-kashmir-crisis-live-updates-governor-reviews-security-situation-in-state/story/370856.html |title=Article 370 revoked Updates: Jammu & Kashmir is now a Union Territory, Lok Sabha passes bifurcation bill |work=[[Business Today (India)]] |date=6 August 2019 |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803023827/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/jammu-and-kashmir-crisis-live-updates-governor-reviews-security-situation-in-state/story/370856.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bill-to-bifurcate-jammu-and-kashmir-into-2-union-territories-passed-by-rajya-sabha-2080688 Already, Rajya Sabha Clears J&K As Union Territory Instead Of State] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806175609/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bill-to-bifurcate-jammu-and-kashmir-into-2-union-territories-passed-by-rajya-sabha-2080688 |date=6 August 2019 }}, NDTV, 5 August 2019.</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%20Reorganisation%20Bill%2C%202019.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 |issue=Bill No. XXIX of 2019 |work=Ministry of Home Affairs |date=2019 |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506231839/https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%20Reorganisation%20Bill,%202019.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> Under the terms of the act, the union territory is administered by a [[Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]] acting on behalf of the Central Government of India and does not have an elected legislative assembly or chief minister. Each district within the union territory continues to elect an [[autonomous district council]] as done previously.<ref name="dailyexcelsior.com">{{Cite news |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lahdc-act-would-continue-and-the-amendments-of-2018-to-be-protected-governor/ |title=LAHDC Act would continue and the Amendments of 2018 to be protected: Governor |date=30 August 2019 |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802224355/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lahdc-act-would-continue-and-the-amendments-of-2018-to-be-protected-governor/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The demand for Ladakh as separate Union Territory (UT) was first raised by the parliamentarian [[Kushok Bakula Rinpoche]] around 1955, which was later carried forward by another parliamentarian [[Thupstan Chhewang]].<ref name=happy1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/one-year-of-union-territory-status-ladakh-brims-with-hope/articleshow/77326052.cms One year of union territory status: Ladakh brims with hope], Times of India, 3 usgust 2020.</ref> The former [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir state]] use to obtain large allocation of annual funds from the union government based on the fact that the large geographical area of the Ladakh (comprising 65% of total area), but Ladakh was allocated only 2% of the state budget based on its relative population.<ref name=happy1/> Within the first year of the formation of Ladakh as separate union territory, its annual budget allocation has increased 4 times from {{INR}}57 [[crore]] to {{INR}}232 crore.<ref name=happy1/>
The demand for Ladakh as separate union territory was first raised by the parliamentarian [[Kushok Bakula Rinpoche]] around 1955, which was later carried forward by another parliamentarian [[Thupstan Chhewang]].<ref name=happy1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/one-year-of-union-territory-status-ladakh-brims-with-hope/articleshow/77326052.cms One year of union territory status: Ladakh brims with hope] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803142055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/one-year-of-union-territory-status-ladakh-brims-with-hope/articleshow/77326052.cms |date=3 August 2020 }}, Times of India, 3 August 2020.</ref> The former [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir state]] use to obtain large allocation of annual funds from the union government based on the fact that the large geographical area of the Ladakh (comprising 65% of total area), but Ladakh was allocated only 2% of the state budget based on its relative population.<ref name=happy1/> Within the first year of the formation of Ladakh as separate union territory, its annual budget allocation has increased 4 times from {{INR}}57 [[crore]] to {{INR}}232 crore.<ref name=happy1/>


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Ladakh}}
{{Main|Geography of Ladakh}}
[[File:Ladakh2.svg|thumb|upright=1.75|Map of the central Ladakh region]]
[[File:Ladakh2.svg|thumb|upright=1.75|Map of the central Ladakh region]]


Ladakh is the highest plateau in India with much of it being over {{cvt|3000|m|ft}}.<ref name="Crossroads" /> It extends from the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] to the [[Kunlun Mountains|Kunlun]]<ref>The [[Gazetteer]] of Kashmir and Ladák published in 1890 Compiled under the direction of the Quarter Master General in India in the Intelligence Branch in fact unequivocally states inter alia in pages 520 and 364 that Khotán is "a province in the Chinese Empire lying to the north of the Eastern Kuenlun (Kun Lun) range, which here forms the ''boundary'' of Ladák" and "The eastern range forms the southern boundary of Khotán, and is crossed by two passes, the Yangi or Elchi Díwan, crossed in 1865 by Johnson and the Hindútak Díwan, crossed by Robert Schlagentweit in 1857".</ref> Ranges and includes the upper [[Indus River]] valley.
Ladakh is the highest plateau in India with most of it being over {{cvt|3000|m|ft}}.<ref name="Crossroads" /> It extends from the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] to the [[Kunlun Mountains|Kunlun]]<ref>The [[Gazetteer]] of Kashmir and Ladák published in 1890 Compiled under the direction of the Quarter Master General in India in the Intelligence Branch in fact unequivocally states inter alia in pages 520 and 364 that Khotán is "a province in the Chinese Empire lying to the north of the Eastern Kuenlun (Kun Lun) range, which here forms the ''boundary'' of Ladák" and "The eastern range forms the southern boundary of Khotán, and is crossed by two passes, the Yangi or Elchi Díwan, crossed in 1865 by Johnson and the Hindútak Díwan, crossed by Robert Schlagentweit in 1857".</ref> Ranges and includes the upper [[Indus River]] valley.
[[File:Indus Zanskar confluence.jpg|thumb|upright|The confluence of the Indus (green water to the left) and Zanskar (brown water to the right) rivers.]]
 
[[File:Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers.jpg|thumb|The confluence of the Indus (flowing left-to-right) and Zanskar (coming in from top) rivers.]]
[[File:Kashmir top.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|The Ladakh region has high altitude]]
[[File:Kashmir top.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|The Ladakh region has high altitude]]
[[File:Viewofleh.jpg|thumb|View of Leh Town Along with [[Stok Kangri]]]]
[[File:Viewofleh.jpg|thumb|View of Leh Town Along with [[Stok Kangri]]]]


Historically, the region included the [[Baltistan]] ([[Baltiyul]]) valleys (now mostly in Pakistani administered part of [[Kashmir]]), the entire upper [[Indus Valley]], the remote [[Zanskar]], [[Lahaul and Spiti]] to the south, much of [[Ngari]] including the [[Rudok]] region and [[Guge]] in the east, [[Aksai Chin]] in the northeast, and the [[Nubra Valley]] to the north over [[Khardung La|Khardong La]] in the Ladakh Range. Contemporary Ladakh borders [[Tibet]] to the east, the [[Lahul and Spiti|Lahaul and Spiti]] regions to the south, the Vale of [[Kashmir]], [[Jammu]] and [[Baltiyul]] regions to the west, and the southwest corner of [[Xinjiang]] across the [[Karakoram Pass]] in the far north. The historic but imprecise divide between Ladakh and the Tibetan Plateau commences in the north in the intricate maze of ridges east of [[Rudok]] including Aling Kangri and Mavang Kangri, and continues southeastward toward northwestern [[Nepal]]. Before partition, [[Baltistan]], now under Pakistani control, was a district in Ladakh. [[Skardu|Skardo]] was the winter capital of Ladakh while Leh was the summer capital.
Historically, the region included the [[Baltistan]] ([[Baltiyul]]) valleys (now mostly in Pakistani administered part of [[Kashmir]]), the entire upper [[Indus Valley]], the remote [[Zanskar]], [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]] to the south, much of [[Ngari]] including the [[Rudok]] region and [[Guge]] in the east, [[Aksai Chin]] in the northeast, and the [[Nubra Valley]] to the north over [[Khardung La|Khardong La]] in the Ladakh Range. Contemporary Ladakh borders [[Tibet]] to the east, the Lahaul and Spiti regions to the south, the Vale of Kashmir, [[Jammu]] and [[Baltiyul]] regions to the west, and the southwest corner of [[Xinjiang]] across the [[Karakoram Pass]] in the far north. The historic but imprecise divide between Ladakh and the Tibetan Plateau commences in the north in the intricate maze of ridges east of [[Rudok]] including Aling Kangri and Mavang Kangri, and continues southeastward toward northwestern [[Nepal]]. Before partition, [[Baltistan]], now under Pakistani control, was a district in Ladakh. Skardu was the winter capital of Ladakh while Leh was the summer capital.


The mountain ranges in this region were formed over 45&nbsp;million years by the folding of the [[Indian Plate]] into the more stationary [[Eurasian Plate]]. The drift continues, causing frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region.{{efn|All of Indian Ladakh is placed in high risk Zone VIII, while areas from Kargil and Zanskar southwestward are in lower risk zones on the [[Earthquake hazard zoning of India|earthquake hazard scale]].}}<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |url=http://www.drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/india_disaster_response_plan_2007.pdf |title=Multi-hazard Map of India |publisher=[[United Nations Development Program]] |access-date=31 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031170144/http://www.drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/india_disaster_response_plan_2007.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2014 }}</ref> The peaks in the Ladakh Range are at a medium altitude close to the [[Zoji-la]] ({{cvt|5000|-|5500|m|disp=or}}) and increase toward southeast, culminating in the twin summits of [[Nun-Kun]] ({{cvt|7000|m|disp=or}}).
The mountain ranges in this region were formed over 45&nbsp;million years by the folding of the [[Indian Plate]] into the more stationary [[Eurasian Plate]]. The drift continues, causing frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region.{{efn|All of Indian Ladakh is placed in high risk Zone VIII, while areas from Kargil and Zanskar southwestward are in lower risk zones on the [[earthquake zones of India|earthquake hazard scale]].}}<ref>{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/india_disaster_response_plan_2007.pdf |title=Multi-hazard Map of India |publisher=[[United Nations Development Program]] |access-date=31 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031170144/http://www.drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/india_disaster_response_plan_2007.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2014}}</ref> The peaks in the Ladakh Range are at a medium altitude close to the [[Zoji-la]] ({{cvt|5000|-|5500|m|disp=or}}) and increase toward southeast, culminating in the twin summits of [[Nun-Kun]] ({{cvt|7000|m|disp=or}}).


The Suru and Zanskar valleys form a great trough enclosed by the Himalayas and the [[Zanskar Range]]. [[Rangdum]] is the highest inhabited region in the Suru valley, after which the valley rises to {{cvt|4400|m|ft}} at [[Pensi-la]], the gateway to Zanskar. Kargil, the only town in the Suru valley, is the second most important town in Ladakh. It was an important staging post on the routes of the trade [[Caravan (travellers)|caravans]] before 1947, being more or less equidistant, at about 230 kilometres from [[Srinagar]], [[Leh]], [[Skardu]] and [[Padum]]. The Zangskar valley lies in the troughs of the Stod and the Lungnak rivers. The region experiences heavy snowfall; the Pensi-la is open only between June and mid-October. [[Dras]] and the [[Mushkoh Valley]] form the western extremity of Ladakh.
The Suru and Zanskar valleys form a great trough enclosed by the Himalayas and the [[Zanskar|Zanskar Range]]. [[Rangdum]] is the highest inhabited region in the Suru valley, after which the valley rises to {{cvt|4400|m|ft}} at [[Pensi-la]], the gateway to Zanskar. Kargil, the only town in the Suru valley, is the second most important town in Ladakh. It was an important staging post on the routes of the trade [[Caravan (travellers)|caravans]] before 1947, being more or less equidistant, at about 230 kilometres from [[Srinagar]], Leh, Skardu and [[Padum]]. The Zangskar valley lies in the troughs of the Stod and the Lungnak rivers. The region experiences heavy snowfall; the Pensi-la is open only between June and mid-October. [[Dras]] and the Mushkoh Valley form the western extremity of Ladakh.


The Indus River is the backbone of Ladakh. Most major historical and current towns&nbsp;– [[Shey]], [[Leh]], [[Basgo]] and [[Tingmosgang]] (but not Kargil), are close to the Indus River. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the stretch of the Indus flowing through Ladakh became the only part of this river, which is greatly venerated in the Hindu religion and culture, that still flows through India.
The Indus River is the backbone of Ladakh. Most major historical and current towns – [[Shey]], Leh, [[Basgo]] and [[Tingmosgang]] (but not Kargil), are close to the Indus River. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the stretch of the Indus flowing through Ladakh became the only part of this river, which is greatly venerated in the Hindu religion and culture, that still flows through India.


The [[Siachen Glacier]] is in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalaya Mountains along the disputed India-Pakistan border. The Karakoram Range forms a great watershed that separates China from the Indian subcontinent and is sometimes called the "Third Pole." The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge immediately to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east. At {{cvt|76|km}} long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It falls from an altitude of {{cvt|5753|m|ft}} above sea level at its source at [[Indira Col]] on the China border down to {{cvt|3620|m|ft}} at its snout. [[Saser Kangri]] is the highest peak in the Saser Muztagh, the easternmost subrange of the Karakoram Range in India, Saser Kangri I having an altitude of {{cvt|7672|m|ft}}.
The [[Siachen Glacier]] is in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalaya Mountains along the disputed India-Pakistan border. The Karakoram Range forms a great watershed that separates China from the Indian subcontinent and is sometimes called the "Third Pole." The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge immediately to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east. At {{cvt|76|km}} long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It falls from an altitude of {{cvt|5753|m|ft}} above sea level at its source at [[Indira Col]] on the China border down to {{cvt|3620|m|ft}} at its snout. [[Saser Kangri]] is the highest peak in the Saser Muztagh, the easternmost subrange of the Karakoram Range in India, Saser Kangri I having an altitude of {{cvt|7672|m|ft}}.


The [[Ladakh Range]] has no major peaks; its average height is a little less than {{cvt|6000|m|ft}}, and few of its passes are less than {{cvt|5000|m|ft}}. The [[Pangong range]] runs parallel to the Ladakh Range for about {{cvt|100|km}} northwest from [[Chushul]] along the southern shore of the [[Pangong Tso|Pangong Lake]]. Its highest point is about {{cvt|6700|m|ft}} and the northern slopes are heavily glaciated. The region comprising the valley of the Shayok and Nubra rivers is known as Nubra. The Karakoram Range in Ladakh is not as mighty as in Baltistan. The massifs to the north and east of the Nubra–Siachen line include the [[Apsarasas Kangri|Apsarasas Group]] (highest point at {{cvt|7245|m|ft|disp=or}}) the [[Rimo Muztagh]] (highest point at {{cvt|7385|m|ft|disp=or}}) and the [[Teram Kangri]] Group (highest point at {{cvt|7464|m|ft|disp=or}}) together with [[Mamostong Kangri]] ({{cvt|7526|m|ft|disp=or}}) and [[Singhi Kangri]] ({{cvt|7202|m|ft|disp=or}}). North of the Karakoram lies the Kunlun. Thus, between Leh and eastern Central Asia there is a triple barrier&nbsp;– the Ladakh Range, Karakoram Range, and Kunlun. Nevertheless, a major trade route was established between Leh and [[Yarkent County|Yarkand]].
The [[Ladakh Range]] has no major peaks; its average height is a little less than {{cvt|6000|m|ft}}, and few of its passes are less than {{cvt|5000|m|ft}}. The [[Pangong range]] runs parallel to the Ladakh Range for about {{cvt|100|km}} northwest from [[Chushul]] along the southern shore of the [[Pangong Tso|Pangong Lake]]. Its highest point is about {{cvt|6700|m|ft}} and the northern slopes are heavily glaciated. The region comprising the valley of the Shayok and Nubra rivers is known as Nubra. The Karakoram Range in Ladakh is not as mighty as in Baltistan. The massifs to the north and east of the Nubra–Siachen line include the [[Apsarasas Kangri|Apsarasas Group]] (highest point at {{cvt|7245|m|ft|disp=or}}) the [[Rimo Muztagh]] (highest point at {{cvt|7385|m|ft|disp=or}}) and the [[Teram Kangri]] Group (highest point at {{cvt|7464|m|ft|disp=or}}) together with [[Mamostong Kangri]] ({{cvt|7526|m|ft|disp=or}}) and [[Singhi Kangri]] ({{cvt|7202|m|ft|disp=or}}). North of the Karakoram lies the Kunlun. Thus, between Leh and eastern Central Asia there is a triple barrier&nbsp;– the Ladakh Range, Karakoram Range, and Kunlun. Nevertheless, a major trade route was established between Leh and [[Yarkent County|Yarkand]].
[[File:Ladakhtemp2.svg|thumb|Monthly average temperature in Leh]]
[[File:Ladakhtemp2.svg|thumb|Monthly average temperature in Leh]]


Ladakh is a high altitude desert as the Himalayas create a [[rain shadow]], generally denying entry to monsoon clouds. The main source of water is the winter snowfall on the mountains. Recent flooding in the region (e.g., the [[2010 Leh floods|2010 floods]]) has been attributed to abnormal rain patterns and retreating glaciers, both of which have been found to be linked to global climate change.<ref>{{cite book |title=As Climate Changes: International Impacts and Implications |last=Strzepek |first=Kenneth M. |author2=Joel B. Smith |year=1995 |publisher= Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-46796-4 }}</ref> The Leh Nutrition Project, headed by [[Chewang Norphel]], also known as the "Glacier Man", creates artificial glaciers as one solution for retreating glaciers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/136661/1/?PrintableVersion=enabled|title=OneWorld South Asia – Glacier man Chewang Norphel brings water to Ladakh|date=2 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702182937/http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/136661/1/?PrintableVersion=enabled|archive-date=2 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://edugreen.teri.res.in/misc/path/path.htm#norphel |title=Edugreen.teri.res.in |publisher=Edugreen.teri.res.in |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
Ladakh is a high altitude desert as the Himalayas create a [[rain shadow]], generally denying entry to monsoon clouds. The main source of water is the winter snowfall on the mountains. Recent flooding in the region (e.g., the [[2010 Leh floods|2010 floods]]) has been attributed to abnormal rain patterns and retreating glaciers, both of which have been found to be linked to global climate change.<ref>{{cite book |title=As Climate Changes: International Impacts and Implications |last=Strzepek |first=Kenneth M. |author2=Joel B. Smith |year=1995 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-46796-4}}</ref> The Leh Nutrition Project, headed by [[Chewang Norphel]], also known as the "Glacier Man", creates artificial glaciers as one solution for retreating glaciers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/136661/1/?PrintableVersion=enabled |title=OneWorld South Asia – Glacier man Chewang Norphel brings water to Ladakh |date=2 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702182937/http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/136661/1/?PrintableVersion=enabled |archive-date=2 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://edugreen.teri.res.in/misc/path/path.htm#norphel |title=Edugreen.teri.res.in |publisher=Edugreen.teri.res.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830185041/http://edugreen.teri.res.in/misc/path/path.htm#norphel |url-status=live }}</ref>


The regions on the north flank of the Himalayas&nbsp;– Dras, the Suru valley and Zangskar&nbsp;– experience heavy snowfall and remain cut off from the rest of the region for several months in the year, as the whole region remains cut off by road from the rest of the country. Summers are short, though they are long enough to grow crops. The summer weather is dry and pleasant. Temperature ranges are from {{cvt|3|to|35|°C|lk=in}} in summer and minimums range from {{cvt|-20|to|-35|°C}} in winter.<ref>{{cite web
The regions on the north flank of the Himalayas&nbsp;– Dras, the Suru valley and Zangskar&nbsp;– experience heavy snowfall and remain cut off from the rest of the region for several months in the year, as the whole region remains cut off by road from the rest of the country. Summers are short, though they are long enough to grow crops. The summer weather is dry and pleasant. Temperature ranges are from {{cvt|3|to|35|°C|lk=in}} in summer and minimums range from {{cvt|-20|to|-35|°C}} in winter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lehladakhindia.com/climate-in-ladakh.html |title=Climate in Ladakh |access-date=3 March 2008 |publisher=LehLadakhIndia.com |archive-date=22 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222141348/http://www.lehladakhindia.com/climate-in-ladakh.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|url=http://www.lehladakhindia.com/climate-in-ladakh.html |title=Climate in Ladakh |access-date=3 March 2008
|publisher=LehLadakhIndia.com}}</ref>


Zanskar is the main river of the region along with its tributaries. The Zanskar gets frozen during winter and the famous [[Chadar trek]] takes place on this magnificent frozen river.
Zanskar is the main river of the region along with its tributaries. The Zanskar gets frozen during winter and the famous [[Chadar trek]] takes place on this magnificent frozen river.


== Flora and fauna ==
=== Flora and fauna ===
{{Main|Wildlife of Ladakh}}
{{Main|Wildlife of Ladakh}}
[[File:Ladakh Travel.jpg|thumb|left|Lake in Ladakh]]
[[File:Black-necked Crane Tso Kar Ladakh Jammu and Kashmir India Asia 12.08.2013.png|thumb|225px|The [[black-necked crane]] comes to India every year for breeding. Photograph taken at [[Tso Kar]], Ladakh.]]
 
Vegetation is extremely sparse in Ladakh except along streambeds and wetlands, on high slopes, and irrigated places. About 1250 plant species, including crops, were reported from Ladakh.<ref>{{Cite book |title=A field guide to the flora of Ladakh |last=Dvorský |first=Miroslav |publisher=Academia |year=2018 |isbn=978-80-200-2826-6 |location=Prague}}</ref> The plant ''[[Ladakiella klimesii]]'', growing up to {{Convert|6150|m|ft}} above sea level, was first described here and named after this region.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=German |first1=Dmitry A. |last2=Al-Shehbaz |first2=Ihsan A. |title=Nomenclatural novelties in miscellaneous Asian Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) |journal=Nordic Journal of Botany |date=1 December 2010 |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=646–651 |doi=10.1111/j.1756-1051.2010.00983.x |issn=1756-1051}}</ref> The first European to study the wildlife of this region was [[William Moorcroft (explorer)|William Moorcroft]] in 1820, followed by [[Ferdinand Stoliczka]], an [[Austrian people|Austrian]]-[[Czech people|Czech]] [[palaeontologist]], who carried out a massive expedition there in the 1870s. There are many lakes in Ladakh such as [[Kyago Tso]].
[[File:Black-necked Crane Tso Kar Ladakh Jammu and Kashmir India Asia 12.08.2013.png|thumb|225px|The [[black-necked crane]] comes to India every year for breeding. Photograph has been taken at [[Tso Kar]], Ladakh.]]
 
Vegetation is extremely sparse in Ladakh except along streambeds and wetlands, on high slopes, and irrigated places. About 1250 plant species, including crops, were reported from Ladakh.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A field guide to the flora of Ladakh|last=Dvorský|first=Miroslav|publisher=Academia|year=2018|isbn=978-80-200-2826-6|location=Prague}}</ref> The plant ''[[Ladakiella klimesii]]'', growing up to {{Convert|6150|m|ft}} above sea level, was first described here and named after this region.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=German |first1=Dmitry A. |last2=Al-Shehbaz |first2=Ihsan A. |title=Nomenclatural novelties in miscellaneous Asian Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) |journal=Nordic Journal of Botany |date=1 December 2010 |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=646–651 |doi=10.1111/j.1756-1051.2010.00983.x |issn=1756-1051}}</ref> The first European to study the wildlife of this region was [[William Moorcroft (explorer)|William Moorcroft]] in 1820, followed by [[Ferdinand Stoliczka]], an [[Austrian people|Austrian]]-[[Czech people|Czech]] [[palaeontologist]], who carried out a massive expedition there in the 1870s.


The [[bharal]] or blue sheep is the most abundant mountain ungulate in the Ladakh region, although it is not found in some parts of Zangskar and Sham areas.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |year=2004 |title=Habitat segregation between sympatric Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur in the Indian Trans-Himalaya |work=Journal of Zoology |location=London |chapter= 262 |pages=57–63 |chapter-url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69530/NamgailetalJZool.pdf |publisher=reg.wur.nl}}</ref> The [[Asiatic ibex]] is a very elegant mountain goat that is distributed in the western part of Ladakh. It is the second most abundant mountain ungulate in the region with a population of about 6000 individuals. It is adapted to rugged areas where it easily climbs when threatened.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T |year=2006 |title=Winter Habitat Partitioning between Asiatic Ibex and Blue Sheep in Ladakh, Northern India |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69532/NamgailIbexBlusSheep.pdf |journal=Journal of Mountain Ecology |volume=8 |pages=7–13 }}</ref> The Ladakhi Urial is another unique mountain sheep that inhabits the mountains of Ladakh. The population is declining, however, and there are not more than 3000 individuals left in Ladakh.<ref>Namgail, T. (2006). Trans-Himalayan large herbivores: status, conservation, and niche relationships. Report submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, New York.</ref> The urial is endemic to Ladakh, where it is distributed only along two major river valleys: the Indus and Shayok. The animal is often persecuted by farmers whose crops are allegedly damaged by it. Its population declined precipitously in the last century due to indiscriminate shooting by hunters along the Leh-Srinagar highway. The [[argali|Tibetan argali or Nyan]] is the largest wild sheep in the world, standing {{convert|3.5|to|4|ft|order=flip}} at the shoulder with the horn measuring {{cvt|900|-|1000|mm}}. It is distributed on the Tibetan plateau and its marginal mountains encompassing a total area of {{convert|2.5|e6km2|abbr=unit}}. There is only a small population of about 400 animals in Ladakh. The animal prefers open and rolling terrain as it runs, unlike wild goats that climb into steep cliffs, to escape from predators.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |s2cid=12451184 |year=2007 |title=Habitat shift and time budget of the Tibetan argali: the influence of livestock grazing |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69531/NamgailetalHabitatShift.pdf |journal=Ecological Research |volume=22 |pages=25–31 |doi=10.1007/s11284-006-0015-y}}</ref> The endangered [[Tibetan antelope]], known as ''chiru'' in Indian English, or Ladakhi ''tsos'', has traditionally been hunted for its wool (''[[shahtoosh]]'') which is a natural fibre of the finest quality and thus valued for its light weight and warmth and as a [[status symbol]]. The wool of chiru must be pulled out by hand, a process done after the animal is killed. The fibre is smuggled into Kashmir and woven into exquisite shawls by Kashmiri workers. Ladakh is also home to the [[Tibetan gazelle]], which inhabits the vast rangelands in eastern Ladakh bordering Tibet.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Bagchi |first2=S. |last3=Mishra |first3=C. |last4=Bhatnagar |first4=Y.V. |year=2008 |title=Distributional correlates of the Tibetan gazelle in northern India: Towards a recovery programme |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69527/NamgailetalOryx2008Gazelle.pdf |journal=Oryx |volume=42 |pages=107–112 |doi=10.1017/s0030605308000768}}</ref>
The [[bharal]] or blue sheep is the most abundant mountain ungulate in the Ladakh region, although it is not found in some parts of Zangskar and Sham areas.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |year=2004 |title=Habitat segregation between sympatric Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur in the Indian Trans-Himalaya |work=Journal of Zoology |location=London |chapter=262 |pages=57–63 |chapter-url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69530/NamgailetalJZool.pdf |publisher=reg.wur.nl |access-date=16 January 2009 |archive-date=4 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304210939/http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69530/NamgailetalJZool.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Asiatic ibex]] is a mountain goat that is distributed in the western part of Ladakh. It is the second most abundant mountain ungulate in the region with a population of about 6000 individuals. It is adapted to rugged areas where it easily climbs when threatened.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T |year=2006 |title=Winter Habitat Partitioning between Asiatic Ibex and Blue Sheep in Ladakh, Northern India |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69532/NamgailIbexBlusSheep.pdf |journal=Journal of Mountain Ecology |volume=8 |pages=7–13 |access-date=16 January 2009 |archive-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326085000/http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69532/NamgailIbexBlusSheep.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ladakhi Urial is another unique mountain sheep that inhabits the mountains of Ladakh. The population is declining, however, and there are not more than 3000 individuals left in Ladakh.<ref>Namgail, T. (2006). Trans-Himalayan large herbivores: status, conservation, and niche relationships. Report submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, New York.</ref> The urial is endemic to Ladakh, where it is distributed only along two major river valleys: the Indus and Shayok. The animal is often persecuted by farmers whose crops are allegedly damaged by it. Its population declined precipitously in the last century due to indiscriminate shooting by hunters along the Leh-Srinagar highway. The [[argali|Tibetan argali or Nyan]] is the largest wild sheep in the world, standing {{convert|3.5|to|4|ft|order=flip}} at the shoulder with the horn measuring {{cvt|900|-|1000|mm}}. It is distributed on the Tibetan plateau and its marginal mountains encompassing a total area of {{convert|2.5|e6km2|abbr=unit}}. There is only a small population of about 400 animals in Ladakh. The animal prefers open and rolling terrain as it runs, unlike wild goats that climb into steep cliffs, to escape from predators.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |s2cid=12451184 |year=2007 |title=Habitat shift and time budget of the Tibetan argali: the influence of livestock grazing |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69531/NamgailetalHabitatShift.pdf |journal=Ecological Research |volume=22 |pages=25–31 |doi=10.1007/s11284-006-0015-y |access-date=16 January 2009 |archive-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326085011/http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69531/NamgailetalHabitatShift.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The endangered [[Tibetan antelope]], known as ''chiru'' in Indian English, or Ladakhi ''tsos'', has traditionally been hunted for its wool (''[[shahtoosh]]'') which is a natural fibre of the finest quality and thus valued for its light weight and warmth and as a [[status symbol]]. The wool of chiru must be pulled out by hand, a process done after the animal is killed. The fibre is smuggled into Kashmir and woven into exquisite shawls by Kashmiri workers. Ladakh is also home to the [[Tibetan gazelle]], which inhabits the vast rangelands in eastern Ladakh bordering Tibet.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Bagchi |first2=S. |last3=Mishra |first3=C. |last4=Bhatnagar |first4=Y.V. |year=2008 |title=Distributional correlates of the Tibetan gazelle in northern India: Towards a recovery programme |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69527/NamgailetalOryx2008Gazelle.pdf |journal=Oryx |volume=42 |pages=107–112 |doi=10.1017/s0030605308000768 |doi-access=free |access-date=16 January 2009 |archive-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326085007/http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69527/NamgailetalOryx2008Gazelle.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Ibex m f.jpg|thumb|Wild animals of Ladakh]]
[[File:Ibex m f.jpg|thumb|Ibexes in Ladakh]]
[[File:Yaks in ladakh.JPG|thumb|left|[[Yak]]s in Ladakh]]
[[File:Yaks in ladakh.JPG|thumb|left|[[Yak]]s in Ladakh]]
The [[kiang]], or Tibetan wild ass, is common in the grasslands of Changthang, numbering about 2,500 individuals. These animals are in conflict with the nomadic people of Changthang who hold the Kiang responsible for pasture degradation.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bhatnagar |first1=Y. V. |last2=Wangchuk |first2=R. |last3=Prins |first3=H. H. |last4=van Wieren |first4=S. E. |last5=Mishra |first5=C. |year=2006 |title=Perceived conflicts between pastoralism and conservation of the Kiang Equus kiang in the Ladakh Trans- Himalaya |journal=Environmental Management |volume=38 |issue=6|pages=934–941 |doi=10.1007/s00267-005-0356-2|pmid=16955231 |pmc=1705511 }}</ref> There are about 200 [[snow leopard]]s in Ladakh of an estimated 7,000 worldwide. The [[Hemis High Altitude National Park]] in central Ladakh is an especially good habitat for this predator as it has abundant prey populations. The [[Eurasian lynx]], is another rare cat that preys on smaller herbivores in Ladakh. It is mostly found in Nubra, Changthang and Zangskar.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T |year=2004 |title=Eurasian lynx in Ladakh |journal=Cat News |volume=40 |pages=21–22 }}</ref> The [[Pallas's cat]], which looks somewhat like a house cat, is very rare in Ladakh and not much is known about the species. The [[Tibetan wolf]], which sometimes preys on the livestock of the Ladakhis, is the most persecuted amongst the predators.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |s2cid=30967502 |year=2007 |title=Carnivore-caused livestock mortality in Trans-Himalaya |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69528/NamgailetalLivestockMortality.pdf |journal=Environmental Management |volume=39 |issue=4|pages=490–496 |doi=10.1007/s00267-005-0178-2|pmid=17318699 }}</ref> There are also a few [[brown bear]]s in the [[Suru Valley]] and the area around Dras. The [[Vulpes ferrilata|Tibetan sand fox]] has been discovered in this region.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Bagchi |first2=S. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |last4=Wangchuk |first4=R. |year=2005 |title=Occurrence of the Tibetan sand fox Vulpes ferrilata Hodgson in Ladakh: A new record for the Indian sub-Continent |journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society |volume=102 |pages=217–219 }}</ref> Among smaller animals, [[marmot]]s, [[hare]]s, and several types of [[pika]] and [[vole]] are common.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bagchi |first1=S. |last2=Namgail |first2=T. |last3=Ritchie |first3=M.E. |year=2006 |title=Small mammalian herbivores as mediators of plant community dynamics in the high-altitude arid rangelands of Trans-Himalayas |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69524/BagchietalPika.pdfreg.wur.nl |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=127 |issue=4|pages=438–442 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2005.09.003}}</ref>
The [[kiang]], or Tibetan wild ass, is common in the grasslands of Changthang, numbering about 2,500 individuals. These animals are in conflict with the nomadic people of Changthang who hold the Kiang responsible for pasture degradation.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bhatnagar |first1=Y. V. |last2=Wangchuk |first2=R. |last3=Prins |first3=H. H. |last4=van Wieren |first4=S. E. |last5=Mishra |first5=C. |year=2006 |title=Perceived conflicts between pastoralism and conservation of the Kiang Equus kiang in the Ladakh Trans- Himalaya |journal=Environmental Management |volume=38 |issue=6 |pages=934–941 |doi=10.1007/s00267-005-0356-2 |pmid=16955231 |pmc=1705511}}</ref> There are about 200 [[snow leopard]]s in Ladakh of an estimated 7,000 worldwide. The [[Hemis High Altitude National Park]] in central Ladakh is an especially good habitat for this predator as it has abundant prey populations. The [[Eurasian lynx]], is another rare cat that preys on smaller herbivores in Ladakh. It is mostly found in Nubra, Changthang and Zangskar.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T |year=2004 |title=Eurasian lynx in Ladakh |journal=Cat News |volume=40 |pages=21–22}}</ref> The [[Pallas's cat]], which looks somewhat like a house cat, is very rare in Ladakh and not much is known about the species. The [[Tibetan wolf]], which sometimes preys on the livestock of the Ladakhis, is the most persecuted amongst the predators.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |s2cid=30967502 |year=2007 |title=Carnivore-caused livestock mortality in Trans-Himalaya |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69528/NamgailetalLivestockMortality.pdf |journal=Environmental Management |volume=39 |issue=4 |pages=490–496 |doi=10.1007/s00267-005-0178-2 |pmid=17318699 |access-date=16 January 2009 |archive-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326085004/http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69528/NamgailetalLivestockMortality.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> There are also a few [[brown bear]]s in the [[Suru Valley]] and the area around Dras. The [[Vulpes ferrilata|Tibetan sand fox]] has been discovered in this region.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Bagchi |first2=S. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |last4=Wangchuk |first4=R. |year=2005 |title=Occurrence of the Tibetan sand fox Vulpes ferrilata Hodgson in Ladakh: A new record for the Indian sub-Continent |journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society |volume=102 |pages=217–219}}</ref> Among smaller animals, [[marmot]]s, [[hare]]s, and several types of [[pika]] and [[vole]] are common.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bagchi |first1=S. |last2=Namgail |first2=T. |last3=Ritchie |first3=M.E. |year=2006 |title=Small mammalian herbivores as mediators of plant community dynamics in the high-altitude arid rangelands of Trans-Himalayas |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69524/BagchietalPika.pdfreg.wur.nl |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=127 |issue=4 |pages=438–442 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2005.09.003}}</ref>


=== Flora ===
==== Flora ====
Scant precipitation makes Ladakh a high-altitude desert with extremely scarce vegetation over most of its area. Natural vegetation mainly occurs along water courses and on high altitude areas that receive more snow and cooler summer temperatures. Human settlements, however, are richly vegetated due to irrigation.<ref>{{cite book |author=Vishwas S. Kale |title=Landscapes and Landforms of India |publisher=Springer |isbn=9789401780292 |date=23 May 2014 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t_MsBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA114}}</ref>
Scant precipitation makes Ladakh a high-altitude desert with extremely scarce vegetation over most of its area. Natural vegetation mainly occurs along water courses and on high altitude areas that receive more snow and cooler summer temperatures. Human settlements, however, are richly vegetated due to irrigation.<ref>{{cite book |author=Vishwas S. Kale |title=Landscapes and Landforms of India |publisher=Springer |isbn=9789401780292 |date=23 May 2014 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t_MsBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA114}}</ref>
Natural vegetation commonly seen along watercourses includes [[seabuckthorn]] (''Hippophae'' spp.), wild roses of pink or yellow varieties, tamarisk (''Myricaria'' spp.), [[caraway]], [[Urtica dioica|stinging nettles]], mint, ''[[Physochlaina]] praealta'', and various grasses.<ref>{{cite book |author=Satish K. Sharma |title=Temperate Horticulture: Current Scenario |publisher=New India Publisher |year=2006 |isbn=9788189422363 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k_Sjt-7O_eAC&q=Hippophae+spp&pg=PA64 }}</ref>
Natural vegetation commonly seen along watercourses includes [[seabuckthorn]] (''Hippophae'' spp.), wild roses of pink or yellow varieties, tamarisk (''Myricaria'' spp.), [[caraway]], [[Urtica dioica|stinging nettles]], mint, ''[[Physochlaina]] praealta'', and various grasses.<ref>{{cite book |author=Satish K. Sharma |title=Temperate Horticulture: Current Scenario |publisher=New India Publisher |year=2006 |isbn=9788189422363 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k_Sjt-7O_eAC&q=Hippophae+spp&pg=PA64}}</ref>


== Administration ==
== Administration ==
[[Image:Indian Union territory flag of Ladakh (proposed).png|thumb|upright=0.85||[[Flag of Ladakh|Union Territory flag of Ladakh]].]]
[[File:Flag of Ladakh, India.svg |thumb|upright=0.85|[[Emblem of Ladakh|Banner of the Administration of Ladakh]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ladakh.nic.in/ladakh-mountaineer-successfully-summits-mt-everest/ |title=Ladakh mountaineer successfully summits Mt Everest &#124; the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh &#124; India |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=16 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916161846/https://ladakh.nic.in/ladakh-mountaineer-successfully-summits-mt-everest/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
[[File:Ladakh Government Banner.png|thumb|upright=0.85|[[Emblem of Ladakh|Emblem of the Administration of Ladakh]]]]
{{Main|Administration of Ladakh|Politics of Ladakh}}
{{Main|Administration of Ladakh|Politics of Ladakh}}
Under the terms of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act]], Ladakh is administered as a [[union territory]] without a [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|legislative assembly]] or elected government. The head of government is a [[List of lieutenant governors of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]] appointed by the [[President of India]] who is assisted by civil servants of the [[Indian Administrative Service]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/new-jk-to-be-like-puducherry-here-is-how-indias-new-union-territory-jk-will-function/articleshow/70532687.cms|title=New J&K to be like Puducherry: Here is how India's new Union territory J&K will function|date=5 August 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
Under the terms of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act]], Ladakh is administered as a union territory without a [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|legislative assembly]] or elected government. The head of government is a [[List of lieutenant governors of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]] appointed by the [[President of India]] who is assisted by civil servants of the [[Indian Administrative Service]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/new-jk-to-be-like-puducherry-here-is-how-indias-new-union-territory-jk-will-function/articleshow/70532687.cms |title=New J&K to be like Puducherry: Here is how India's new Union territory J&K will function |date=5 August 2019 |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805190151/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/new-jk-to-be-like-puducherry-here-is-how-indias-new-union-territory-jk-will-function/articleshow/70532687.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Districts ===
=== Districts ===
Line 263: Line 262:


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-bottom: 0;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-bottom: 0;"
! Name of District!! Headquarters !! Area (km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population <br /> 2001 Census !! Population <br /> 2011 Census
! Name of district!! Headquarters !! Area (km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population <br /> 2011 Census
|-
|-
| [[Kargil District]] || [[Kargil town|Kargil]] || {{formatnum: 14036}} || {{formatnum: 119307}} || {{formatnum: 143388}}
| [[Kargil district]] || [[Kargil town|Kargil]] || {{formatnum: 14036}} || 140,802
|-
|-
| [[Leh District]] || [[Leh]] || {{formatnum: 45110}} || {{formatnum: 117232}} || {{formatnum: 147104}}
| [[Leh district]] || [[Leh]] || {{formatnum: 45110}} || 133,487
|-
|-
|Total ||2 ||{{formatnum: 59146}}||{{formatnum: 236539}} ||{{formatnum: 290492}}
|Total ||2 ||{{formatnum: 59146}}||274,289
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 279: Line 278:
*[[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh]]
*[[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh]]


The two autonomous district councils work with village [[panchayat]]s to take decisions on economic development, healthcare, education, land use, taxation, and local governance which are further reviewed at the block headquarters in the presence of the chief executive councillor and executive councillors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/india/india78.html|title=India|publisher=Allrefer country study guide|access-date=21 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521234810/http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/india/india78.html|archive-date=21 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The government of Jammu and Kashmir looks after law and order, the judicial system, communications and the higher education in the region.
The two autonomous district councils work with village [[panchayat]]s to take decisions on economic development, healthcare, education, land use, taxation, and local governance which are further reviewed at the block headquarters in the presence of the chief executive councillor and executive councillors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/india/india78.html |title=India |publisher=Allrefer country study guide |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521234810/http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/india/india78.html |archive-date=21 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The government of Jammu and Kashmir looks after law and order, the judicial system, communications and the higher education in the region.


The two autonomous district councils continue to exist following the formation of the union territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019.<ref name="dailyexcelsior.com" />
The two autonomous district councils continue to exist following the formation of the union territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019.<ref name="dailyexcelsior.com" />


=== Law enforcement and justice ===
=== Law enforcement and justice ===
Ladakh is under the jurisdiction of the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir updates: Rajya Sabha passes bill that divides J&K, Ladakh with 125 votes in favour, 61 against |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/kashmir-turmoil-live-updates-schools-colleges-closed-mobile-service-suspended-section-144-imposed-in-jk/story/370544.html |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Business Today |date=5 October 2019}}</ref> The union territory of Ladakh has its own [[Ladakh Police|police force]] headed by a [[Director general of police]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dixit |first1=Pranjal |title=लद्दाख की अपनी होगी खाकी, जम्मू-कश्मीर पुलिस भी दिल्ली की तरह उप राज्यपाल को करेगी रिपोर्ट |url=https://www.amarujala.com/jammu/ladakh-will-have-its-own-state-police-jammu-kashmir-police-will-report-to-lieutenant-governor |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Amar Ujala |date=6 August 2019 |language=hi}}</ref>
Ladakh is under the jurisdiction of the [[High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir updates: Rajya Sabha passes bill that divides J&K, Ladakh with 125 votes in favour, 61 against |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/kashmir-turmoil-live-updates-schools-colleges-closed-mobile-service-suspended-section-144-imposed-in-jk/story/370544.html |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Business Today |date=5 October 2019 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617063117/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/kashmir-turmoil-live-updates-schools-colleges-closed-mobile-service-suspended-section-144-imposed-in-jk/story/370544.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The union territory of Ladakh has its own [[Ladakh Police|police force]] headed by a [[director general of police]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dixit |first1=Pranjal |title=लद्दाख की अपनी होगी खाकी, जम्मू-कश्मीर पुलिस भी दिल्ली की तरह उप राज्यपाल को करेगी रिपोर्ट |url=https://www.amarujala.com/jammu/ladakh-will-have-its-own-state-police-jammu-kashmir-police-will-report-to-lieutenant-governor |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Amar Ujala |date=6 August 2019 |language=hi |archive-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717023307/https://www.amarujala.com/jammu/ladakh-will-have-its-own-state-police-jammu-kashmir-police-will-report-to-lieutenant-governor |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Ladakh in the Parliament of India ===
=== Ladakh in the Parliament of India ===
Ladakh sends one member (MP) to the lower house of the [[Indian parliament]] the [[Lok Sabha]]. The MP for the [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ladakh constituency]] in the current Lok Sabha is [[Jamyang Tsering Namgyal]] a candidate from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP).<ref>{{cite web |title=Khan, Shri Hassan: Member's Bioprofile |publisher=Lok Sabha |url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/constituencywise/ConstituencywiseS094.htm|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513025423/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/Members/Biography.aspx?mpsno=191 |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/parliamentary-constituencies/member-of-parliament.html|title=Members of Parliament, MPs of India 2014, Sixteenth Lok Sabha Members|website=elections.in|access-date=28 September 2016}}</ref>
Ladakh sends one member (MP) to the lower house of the [[Indian parliament]] the [[Lok Sabha]]. The MP for the [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ladakh constituency]] in the current Lok Sabha is [[Jamyang Tsering Namgyal]] from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP).<ref>{{cite web |title=Khan, Shri Hassan: Member's Bioprofile |publisher=Lok Sabha |url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/constituencywise/ConstituencywiseS094.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513025423/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/Members/Biography.aspx?mpsno=191 |archive-date=13 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elections.in/parliamentary-constituencies/member-of-parliament.html |title=Members of Parliament, MPs of India 2014, Sixteenth Lok Sabha Members |website=elections.in |access-date=28 September 2016 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202160515/http://www.elections.in/parliamentary-constituencies/member-of-parliament.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
[[File:LK130030.jpg|thumb|upright|Street market in [[Leh]]]]
[[File:LK130030.jpg|thumb|upright|Street market in [[Leh]]]]
[[File:Preparing apricots. Alchi Monastery, Ladakh.jpg|thumb|left|Preparing aricots. Alchi Monastery]]
[[File:Preparing apricots. Alchi Monastery, Ladakh.jpg|thumb|left|Preparing apricots. [[Alchi Monastery]].]]
The land is irrigated by a system of channels which funnel water from the ice and snow of the mountains. The principal crops are [[barley]] and wheat. Rice was previously a luxury in the Ladakhi diet, but, subsidised by the government, has now become a cheap staple.<ref name="Crossroads" />
The land is irrigated by a system of channels which funnel water from the ice and snow of the mountains. The principal crops are [[barley]] and wheat. Rice was previously a luxury in the Ladakhi diet, but, subsidised by the government, has now become a cheap staple.<ref name="Crossroads" />


Naked barley (Ladakhi: ''nas'', Urdu: ''grim'') was traditionally a staple crop all over Ladakh. Growing times vary considerably with altitude. The extreme limit of cultivation is at [[Korzok]], on the [[Tso-moriri]] lake, at {{cvt|4600|m|ft}}, which has what are widely considered to be the highest fields in the world.<ref name="Crossroads" />
Naked barley (Ladakhi: ''nas'', Urdu: ''grim'') was traditionally a staple crop all over Ladakh. Growing times vary considerably with altitude. The extreme limit of cultivation is at [[Korzok]], on the [[Tso-moriri]] lake, at {{cvt|4600|m|ft}}, which has what are widely considered to be the highest fields in the world.<ref name="Crossroads" />


A minority of Ladakhi people were also employed as merchants and caravan traders, facilitating trade in textiles, carpets, [[dye]]stuffs and [[narcotics]] between Punjab and [[Xinjiang]]. However, since the Chinese Government closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh, this international trade has completely dried up.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /><ref name="LP">{{cite book |last=Weare |first=Garry |year=2002 |title=Trekking in the Indian Himalaya |edition=4th |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] }}</ref>
A minority of Ladakhi people were also employed as merchants and caravan traders, facilitating trade in textiles, carpets, [[dye]]stuffs and [[narcotics]] between Punjab and [[Xinjiang]]. However, since the Chinese Government closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh, this international trade has completely dried up.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /><ref name="LP">{{cite book |last=Weare |first=Garry |year=2002 |title=Trekking in the Indian Himalaya |edition=4th |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]}}</ref>


[[Indus river]] flowing in the Ladakh region is endowed with vast hydropower potential. Solar and wind power potentials are also substantial. Though the region is a remote hilly area without all-weather roads, the area is also rich in limestone deposits to manufacture cement from the locally available cheap electricity for various construction needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ikashmir.net/geography/chapter3.2.html |title= Distribution of Rocks and Minerals in J&K state |access-date=30 November 2017 }}</ref>
Indus river flowing in the Ladakh region is endowed with vast hydropower potential. Solar and wind power potentials are also substantial. Though the region is a remote hilly area without all-weather roads, the area is also rich in limestone deposits to manufacture cement from the locally available cheap electricity for various construction needs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ikashmir.net/geography/chapter3.2.html |title=Distribution of Rocks and Minerals in J&K state |access-date=30 November 2017 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113095247/http://www.ikashmir.net/geography/chapter3.2.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Since 1974, the Indian Government has encouraged a shift in trekking and other tourist activities from the troubled [[Kashmir]] region to the relatively unaffected areas of Ladakh. Although tourism employs only 4% of Ladakh's working population, it now accounts for 50% of the region's [[Gross National Product|GNP]].<ref name="LoramCharlie" />
Since 1974, the Indian Government has encouraged a shift in trekking and other tourist activities from the troubled Kashmir region to the relatively unaffected areas of Ladakh. Although tourism employs only 4% of Ladakh's working population, it now accounts for 50% of the region's [[Gross National Product|GNP]].<ref name="LoramCharlie" />


This era is recorded in Arthur Neves ''The Tourist's Guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Skardo'', first published in 1911.<ref name="LP" />
This era is recorded in Arthur Neves ''The Tourist's Guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Skardo'', first published in 1911.<ref name="LP" />
Line 306: Line 305:
== Transportation ==
== Transportation ==
[[File:Ladakh Highway.jpg|left|thumb|A vehicle on the Himalaya Highway 3]]
[[File:Ladakh Highway.jpg|left|thumb|A vehicle on the Himalaya Highway 3]]
There are about {{cvt|1800|km|mi}} of roads in Ladakh of which {{cvt|800|km|mi}} are surfaced.<ref name="PlanningCommision2">{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch3a.pdf |title=State Development Report—Jammu and Kashmir, Chapter 3A |publisher=Planning Commission of India |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130192441/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch3a.pdf |archive-date=30 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The majority of roads in Ladakh are looked after by the [[Border Roads Organisation]]. The third road to Ladakh is the [[Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road]], which is under construction.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 September 2020|others=ANI|title=LAC stand-off: BRO's new highway untraceable by enemy, saves hours and gives 365-day connectivity|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lac-stand-off-bros-new-highway-untraceable-by-enemy-saves-hours-and-gives-365-day-connectivity/articleshow/77952231.cms|access-date=7 September 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
There are about {{cvt|1800|km|mi}} of roads in Ladakh of which {{cvt|800|km|mi}} are surfaced.<ref name="PlanningCommision2">{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch3a.pdf |title=State Development Report—Jammu and Kashmir, Chapter 3A |publisher=Planning Commission of India |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130192441/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch3a.pdf |archive-date=30 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The majority of roads in Ladakh are looked after by the [[Border Roads Organisation]]. There are two main roads that connect Ladakh with the rest of the country, [[National Highway 1 (India)|NH1]] connecting Srinagar to Kargil and Leh, and [[National Highway 3 (India)|NH3]] connecting [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] to Leh. A third road to Ladakh is the [[Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road]], which is under construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 September 2020 |title=LAC stand-off: BRO's new highway untraceable by enemy, saves hours and gives 365-day connectivity |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lac-stand-off-bros-new-highway-untraceable-by-enemy-saves-hours-and-gives-365-day-connectivity/articleshow/77952231.cms |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=ANI |work=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907061644/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lac-stand-off-bros-new-highway-untraceable-by-enemy-saves-hours-and-gives-365-day-connectivity/articleshow/77952231.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>


[[File:IXL Front 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]]]]
[[File:IXL Front 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]]]]


There is an airport in Leh, [[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]], from which there are daily flights to [[Delhi]] and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu. There are two airstrips at [[Daulat Beg Oldie]] and [[Fukche]] for military transport.<ref>{{cite web |author=IAF craft makes successful landing near China border |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071230 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905091342/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071230 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2012 |title=NDTV.com |publisher=NDTV.com |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=21 June 2012 }}</ref> The airport at Kargil, [[Kargil Airport]], was intended for civilian flights but is currently is used by the Indian Army. The airport is a political issue for the locals who argue that the airport should serve its original purpose, i.e., should open up for civilian flights. Since past few years the [[Indian Air Force]] has been operating AN-32 air courier service to transport the locals during the winter seasons to [[Jammu]], [[Srinagar]] and [[Chandigarh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=783401 |title=Air Courier Service From Kargil Begins Operation |publisher=news.outlookindia.com |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517161012/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=783401 |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/iaf-to-start-air-services-to-kargil-during-winter-from-December%206-70300 |title=IAF to start air services to Kargil during winter from December 6 |publisher=NDTV.com |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref> A private aeroplane company [[Air Mantra]] landed a 17-seater aircraft at the airport, in presence of dignitaries like the Chief Minister [[Omar Abdullah]], marking the first ever landing by a civilian airline company at Kargil Airport.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Ahmed Ali |last1=Fayyaz |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/kargil-gets-first-civil-air-connectivity/article4283179.ece |title=Kargil gets first civil air connectivity |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 January 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=GK News Network |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Jan/2/-air-mantra-to-operate-flights-to-kargil--69.asp |title=Air Mantra to operate flights to Kargil |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=2 January 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604034510/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Jan/2/-air-mantra-to-operate-flights-to-kargil--69.asp |archive-date= 4 June 2013 }}</ref>
There is an airport in Leh, [[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]], from which there are daily flights to [[Delhi]] and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu. There are two airstrips at [[Daulat Beg Oldie]] and [[Fukche]] for military transport.<ref>{{cite web |author=IAF craft makes successful landing near China border |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071230 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905091342/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071230 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2012 |title=NDTV.com |publisher=NDTV.com |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref> The airport at Kargil, [[Kargil Airport]], was intended for civilian flights but is currently used by the Indian Army. The airport is a political issue for the locals who argue that the airport should serve its original purpose, i.e., should open up for civilian flights. Since past few years the [[Indian Air Force]] has been operating AN-32 air courier service to transport the locals during the winter seasons to [[Jammu]], [[Srinagar]] and [[Chandigarh]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=783401 |title=Air Courier Service From Kargil Begins Operation |publisher=news.outlookindia.com |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517161012/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=783401 |archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/iaf-to-start-air-services-to-kargil-during-winter-from-December%206-70300 |title=IAF to start air services to Kargil during winter from December 6 |publisher=NDTV.com |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref> A private aeroplane company [[Air Mantra]] landed a 17-seater aircraft at the airport, in presence of dignitaries like the Chief Minister [[Omar Abdullah]], marking the first ever landing by a civilian airline company at Kargil Airport.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Ahmed Ali |last1=Fayyaz |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/kargil-gets-first-civil-air-connectivity/article4283179.ece |title=Kargil gets first civil air connectivity |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 January 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013 |archive-date=15 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215235708/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/kargil-gets-first-civil-air-connectivity/article4283179.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=GK News Network |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Jan/2/-air-mantra-to-operate-flights-to-kargil--69.asp |title=Air Mantra to operate flights to Kargil |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=2 January 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604034510/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Jan/2/-air-mantra-to-operate-flights-to-kargil--69.asp |archive-date= 4 June 2013}}</ref>


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{Pie chart|label1=[[Islam in India|Islam]]|value7=0.02|color8=Black|color7=chartreuse|color6=brown|color4=darkkhaki|color5=dodgerblue|color3=darkorange|color2=Gold|color1=Green|value8=0.47|label8=Religion not stated|label7=Other|value1=46.41|value6=0.05|label6=[[Jainism]]|value5=0.46|label5=[[Christianity]]|value4=0.83|label4=[[Sikhism]]|value3=12.11|label3=[[Hinduism]]|value2=39.65|label2=[[Buddhism]]|caption=Religions in Ladakh (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = left
| caption=Ladakh (Kargil and Leh Districts) : mother-tongue of population, according to the 2011 Census.<ref name="census2011-C16"/>
|label1 = Bauti |value1 = 35.72 |color1 = DarkGreen
|label2 = Purkhi |value2 = 33.61 |color2 = DarkBlue
|label3 = Hindi |value3 = 8.94 |color3 = Yellow
|label4 = Others |value4 = 6.42 |color4 = Black
|label5 = Shina |value5 = 4.30 |color5 = ForestGreen
|label6 = Balti |value6 = 3.58 |color6 = DarkSlateBlue
|label7 = Tibetan |value7 = 2.33 |color7 = Lime
|label8 = Ladakhi |value8 = 2.06 |color8 = DarkOliveGreen
|label9 = Punjabi |value9 = 1.00 |color9 = SandyBrown
|label10 = Dardi |value10 = 0.76 |color10 = Indigo
|label11 = Marathi |value11 = 0.73 |color11 = Purple
|label12 = Nepali |value12 = 0.55 |color12 = Cyan
}}
People of Dard descent predominate in Dras and Dha-Hanu areas. The residents of the [[Dha-Hanu]] area, known as [[Brokpa]], are predominately followers of Islam while small minorities follow Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism<ref>{{Cite web|title=Religion Data of Census 2011: XXXIII JK-HP-ST|url=https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/12/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxxiii-jk.html|language=en-GB|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref> and most Brokpa have preserved much of their original Dardic traditions and customs. The Dards of Dras, however, have converted to [[Islam]] and have been strongly influenced by their Kashmiri neighbours. The Mons are believed to be descendants of earlier Indian settlers in Ladakh, and traditionally worked as musicians, blacksmiths, and carpenters.
The region's population is split roughly in half between the districts of [[Leh district|Leh]] and [[Kargil district|Kargil]]. 76.87% population of Kargil is Muslim (mostly [[Shia]]),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tarun-vijay/the-right-view/Endangered-Ladakh/articleshow/2742608.cms |title=Endangered Ladakh |work=[[The Times of India]] |first1=Tarun |last1=Vijay |date=30 January 2008 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="census2011-C01"/> with a total population of 140,802, while that of Leh is 66.40% Buddhist, with a total population of 133,487, as per the 2011 census.<ref name="census2011-C01">{{cite report |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community – Jammu & Kashmir |url = https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW01C-01%20MDDS.XLS |publisher = Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/622-kargil.html|title=Kargil District Population Census 2011-2020, Jammu and Kashmir literacy sex ratio and density|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/621-leh.html|title=Leh District Population Census 2011-2020, Jammu and Kashmir literacy sex ratio and density|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref>
The predominant mother-tongue in Leh district is [[Bauti language|Bauti]], a [[Tibetan languages|Tibetan language]].<ref name="census2011-C16"/> <!--See Talk:Tibetan languages--> However, the [[Purgi language|Purkhi]] is the predominant mother-tongue of Kargil district.<ref name="census2011-C16"/><ref>{{citation|last=Rather |first=Ali Mohammad |title=Kargil: The Post-War Scenario |journal=Journal of Peace Studies |publisher=International Center for Peace Studies |volume=6 |number=5–6 |date=September 1999 |url=http://www.icpsnet.org/description.php?ID=138 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141201063036/http://www.icpsnet.org/description.php?ID=138 |archive-date= 1 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  Educated Ladakhis usually know Hindi, Urdu and often English. Within Ladakh, there is a range of dialects, so that the language of the [[Changpa|Chang-pa]] people may differ markedly from that of the [[Purigpa|Purig-pa]] in Kargil, or the Zangskaris, but they are all mutually comprehensible.
{|class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! colspan=4| Ladakh (Kargil and Leh Districts) : mother-tongue of population, according to the 2011 Census.<ref name="census2011-C16">{{cite report |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir |url = https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0100.XLSX |publisher = Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! Mother tongue code
! Mother tongue
! People
! Percentage
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 001002 || [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 571
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.21%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 002007 || [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,146
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.42%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 004001 || [[Dogri language|Dogri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,031
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.38%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 005018 || [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 438
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.16%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006102 || [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 182
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.07%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006195 || [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 267
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.10%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006207 || [[Gojri language|Gojri/Gujjari/Gujar]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 123
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.04%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006235 || [[Haryanvi language|Haryanvi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 86
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.03%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006240 || [[Hindi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 24,511
| style="text-align:right;" | 8.94%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006340 || [[Kumauni language|Kumauni]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 66
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.02%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006439 || [[Pahari language|Pahari]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 168
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.06%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006489 || [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 139
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.05%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006503 || [[Sadan language|Sadan/Sadri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 16
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 007016 || [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 472
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.17%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 008005 || [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,020
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.37%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 008010 || [[Kishtwari language|Kishtwari]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 17
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 008019 || Dardi
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,072
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.76%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 010008 || [[Maithili language|Maithili]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 25
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 010011 || Purbi Maithili
| style="text-align:right;" | 53
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.02%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 011016 || [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 797
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.29%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 012003 || [[Meitei language|Meitei]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 151
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.06%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 013071 || [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,001
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.73%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 014011 || [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,516
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.55%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 015043 || [[Odia language|Odia]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 594
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.22%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 016002 || [[Bagri language|Bagri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 14
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 016038 || [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,747
| style="text-align:right;" | 1.00%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 020027 || [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,009
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.37%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 021046 || [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,011
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.37%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 022015 || [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 226
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.08%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 024001 || [[Pashto language|Afghani/Kabuli/Pashto]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 18
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 029002 || [[Balti language|Balti]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 9,825
| style="text-align:right;" | 3.58%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 031001 || [[Bhotia language|Bhotia]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 320
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.12%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 031011 || [[Bauti language|Bauti]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 97,979
| style="text-align:right;" | 35.72%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 040001 || [[English language|English]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 29
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 053005 || [[Gujari language|Gujari]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 31
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 055007 || [[Khasi language|Khasi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 14
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 071008 || [[Kuki language|Kuki]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 69
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.03%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 073003 || [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 5,640
| style="text-align:right;" | 2.06%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 082005 || [[Lushai language|Lushai/Mizo]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 127
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.05%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 108001 || [[Sherpa language|Sherpa]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 21
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 109005 || [[Shina language|Shina]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 11,798
| style="text-align:right;" | 4.30%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 111001 || [[Tamang language|Tamang]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 18
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 115008 || [[Standard Tibetan|Tibetan]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 6,393
| style="text-align:right;" | 2.33%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 115011 || [[Purgi language|Purkhi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 92,176
| style="text-align:right;" | 33.61%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 116014 || [[Tripuri language|Tripuri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 18
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="text-align:center;" | –
|| [[Languages of India|Others]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 7,344
| style="text-align:right;" | 2.68%
|- style="vertical-align:top;" class=sortbottom
| colspan=2 | Total
| style="text-align:right;" | 274,289
| style="text-align:right;" | 100.00%
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Population of Leh and Kargil districts
|+Population of Leh and Kargil districts
Line 556: Line 332:
|}
|}


The sex ratio for Leh district declined from 1011 females per 1000 males in 1951 to 805 in 2001, while for Kargil district it declined from 970 to 901.<ref name=PlanningCommision1>{{cite web |title=State Development Report—Jammu and Kashmir, Chapter 2 – Demographics |publisher=Planning Commission of India |year=1999 |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch2.pdf |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213160104/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch2.pdf |archive-date=13 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The urban sex ratio in both the districts is about 640. The adult sex ratio reflects large numbers of mostly male seasonal and migrant labourers and merchants. About 84% of Ladakh's population lives in villages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rural population |publisher=Education for all in India |year=1999 |url=http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rudpop2001.html |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710171729/http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rudpop2001.html |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The average annual population growth rate from 1981 to 2001 was 2.75% in Leh District and 2.83% in Kargil district.<ref name=PlanningCommision1 />
The sex ratio for Leh district declined from 1011 females per 1000 males in 1951 to 805 in 2001, while for Kargil district it declined from 970 to 901.<ref name=PlanningCommision1>{{cite web |title=State Development Report—Jammu and Kashmir, Chapter 2 – Demographics |publisher=Planning Commission of India |year=1999 |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch2.pdf |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213160104/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch2.pdf |archive-date=13 December 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The urban sex ratio in both the districts is about 640. The adult sex ratio reflects large numbers of mostly male seasonal and migrant labourers and merchants. About 84% of Ladakh's population lives in villages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rural population |publisher=Education for all in India |year=1999 |url=http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rudpop2001.html |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710171729/http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rudpop2001.html |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The average annual population growth rate from 1981 to 2001 was 2.75% in Leh District and 2.83% in Kargil district.<ref name=PlanningCommision1 />
 
===Religion===
{{Pie chart
|caption = Religions in Ladakh (2011)<ref name="census2011-C01"/>
|label1 = [[Islam in India|Islam]] |value1 = 46.41 |color1 = green
|label2 = [[Buddhism]] |value2 = 39.65 |color2 = gold
|label3 = [[Hinduism]] |value3 = 12.11 |color3 = darkorange
|label4 = [[Sikhism]] |value4 = 0.83 |color4 = yellow
|label5 = [[Christianity]] |value5 = 0.46 |color5 = blue
|label6 = [[Jainism]] |value6 = 0.05 |color6 = brown
|label7 = Other |value7 = 0.02 |color7 = Grey
|label8 = Religion not stated |value8 = 0.47 |color8 = black
}}
 
The [[Dras]] and [[Dah Hanu|Dha-Hanu]] regions are habitated by [[Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard and Shin|Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard and Shinu tribes]] and [[Shina people]] respectively, who are predominately followers of Islam while small minorities follow [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion Data of Census 2011: XXXIII JK-HP-ST |url=https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/12/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxxiii-jk.html |language=en-GB |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101044658/https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/12/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxxiii-jk.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The region's population is split roughly in half between the districts of [[Leh district|Leh]] and [[Kargil district|Kargil]]. 76.87% population of Kargil is Muslim (mostly [[Shia]]),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tarun-vijay/the-right-view/Endangered-Ladakh/articleshow/2742608.cms |title=Endangered Ladakh |work=[[The Times of India]] |first1=Tarun |last1=Vijay |date=30 January 2008 |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111202706/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tarun-vijay/the-right-view/Endangered-Ladakh/articleshow/2742608.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="census2011-C01"/> with a total population of 140,802, while that of Leh is 66.40% Buddhist, with a total population of 133,487, as per the 2011 census.<ref name="census2011-C01">{{cite report |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community – Jammu & Kashmir |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW01C-01%20MDDS.XLS |publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403193730/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW01C-01%20MDDS.XLS |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/622-kargil.html |title=Kargil District Population Census 2011-2020, Jammu and Kashmir literacy sex ratio and density |website=www.census2011.co.in |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204204027/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/622-kargil.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/621-leh.html |title=Leh District Population Census 2011-2020, Jammu and Kashmir literacy sex ratio and density |website=www.census2011.co.in |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-date=24 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124062331/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/621-leh.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Majority [[Ladakhis]], [[Changpa]] and [[Brokpa]] follow [[Buddhism]].
 
An increasing number of Muslim men and [[Ladakhi people|Ladakhi]] Buddhist women are marrying each other following a decline in the population of Buddhist men in Ladakh, leaving more Buddhist women without a spouse.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manish |first1=Sai |last2=Anzar |first2=Khalid |date=16 September 2017 |title=Why Buddhist women are marrying Muslim men in Ladakh |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/why-buddhist-women-are-marrying-muslim-men-in-ladakh-117091500689_1.html#:~:text=The%20organisation's%20president%20PT%20Kunzang,men%20in%20Ladakh%20since%202003 |work=Business Standard |location=New Delhi , Leh |access-date= |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817203912/https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/why-buddhist-women-are-marrying-muslim-men-in-ladakh-117091500689_1.html#:~:text=The%20organisation's%20president%20PT%20Kunzang,men%20in%20Ladakh%20since%202003 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Raj |first1=Suhasini |last2=Gettleman |first2=Jeffrey |date=12 October 2017 |title=On the Run for Love: Couple Bridges a Buddhist-Muslim Divide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/world/asia/india-buddhist-muslim-marriage.html |work=The New York Times |location=LADAKH REGION, India |access-date= |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817203912/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/world/asia/india-buddhist-muslim-marriage.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
===Language===
 
{{Pie chart
|thumb = left
|caption = Languages of Ladakh (2011 census)<ref name="census2011-C16"/>
|label1 = [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] |value1 = 37.78 |color1 = purple
|label2 = [[Purgi language|Purkhi]] |value2 = 33.61 |color2 = teal
|label3 = [[Hindi]] |value3 = 8.94 |color3 = orange
|label4 = [[Shina language|Shina]] |value4 = 5.06 |color4 = deeppink
|label5 = [[Balti language|Balti]] |value5 = 3.58 |color5 = lightseagreen
|label6 = [[Tibetic languages|Tibetan]] |value6 = 2.33 |color6 = royalblue
|label7 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] |value7 = 1.01 |color7 = yellow
|label8 = Others | value8 = 7.69 |color8 = grey
}}
 
The predominant mother-tongue in Leh district is [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] (also called Bauti), a [[Tibetic languages|Tibetic language]].<ref name="census2011-C16">{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0100.XLSX |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir |publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112015559/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0100.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref> <!--See Talk:Tibetan languages--> [[Purgi language|Purkhi]], sometimes considered a dialect of [[Balti language|Balti]], is the predominant mother-tongue of Kargil district.<ref name="census2011-C16"/><ref>{{citation |last=Rather |first=Ali Mohammad |title=Kargil: The Post-War Scenario |journal=Journal of Peace Studies |publisher=International Center for Peace Studies |volume=6 |number=5–6 |date=September 1999 |url=http://www.icpsnet.org/description.php?ID=138 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141201063036/http://www.icpsnet.org/description.php?ID=138 |archive-date= 1 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>  Educated Ladakhis usually know Hindi, Urdu and often English. Within Ladakh, there is a range of dialects, so that the language of the [[Changpa|Chang-pa]] people may differ markedly from that of the [[Purigpa|Purig-pa]] in Kargil, or the Zangskaris, but they are all mutually comprehensible. Most Ladakhi people (especially the younger generations) speak fluently in English and in Hindi too, due to the languages education at school.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ladakhi Language & Phrasebook |url=https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/practical-info/ladakhi-language-and-phrasebook |publisher=Leh-Ladakh Taxi Booking |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507193520/https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/practical-info/ladakhi-language-and-phrasebook |url-status=live }}</ref> Administrative work and education are carried out in English.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Ladakh |url=https://www.birdinginladakh.com/about-ladakh/#:~:text=Educated%20Ladakhis%20usually%20know%20Hindi%2C%20Urdu%2C%20and%20often,used%20to%20a%20great%20extent%20in%20the%20past. |website=BIRDING IN LADAKH |access-date=1 February 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816052835/http://birdinginladakh.com/about-ladakh/#:~:text=Educated%20Ladakhis%20usually%20know%20Hindi%2C%20Urdu%2C%20and%20often,used%20to%20a%20great%20extent%20in%20the%20past. |url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
 
{{main|Culture of Ladakh}}
Ladakhi culture is similar to [[Tibetan culture]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ladakh Festival – a Cultural Spectacle |publisher=EF News International |access-date=28 August 2006 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/09/ladakh-festival-cultural-spectacle.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502152610/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/09/ladakh-festival-cultural-spectacle.html |archive-date= 2 May 2012 }}</ref>
Ladakhi culture is similar to [[Tibetan culture]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ladakh Festival – a Cultural Spectacle |publisher=EF News International |access-date=28 August 2006 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/09/ladakh-festival-cultural-spectacle.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502152610/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/09/ladakh-festival-cultural-spectacle.html |archive-date= 2 May 2012}}</ref>


=== Cuisine ===
=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Thukpa, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.JPG|thumb|[[Thukpa]]]]
[[File:Thukpa, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.JPG|thumb|[[Thukpa]]]]
Ladakhi food has much in common with [[Tibetan food]], the most prominent foods being ''[[thukpa]]'' (noodle soup) and ''[[tsampa]]'', known in Ladakhi as ''ngampe'' (roasted barley flour). Edible without cooking, ''tsampa'' makes useful trekking food. Strictly Ladakhi dishes include ''skyu'' and ''chutagi'', both heavy and rich soup pasta dishes, ''skyu'' being made with root vegetables and meat, and ''chutagi'' with leafy greens and vegetables.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Motup|first=Sonam|date=|title=Food & Cuisine: 10 Best Dishes to Eat in Leh-Ladakh 🥄🥣|url=https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/practical-info/food-and-cuisine-10-best-dishes-to-eat-in-ladakh|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}</ref> As Ladakh moves toward a cash-based economy, foods from the plains of India are becoming more common.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Namgail, T., Jensen, A., Padmanabhan, S., Desor, S. & Dolma, R. |title=Dhontang: Food in Ladakh |date=2019 |publisher=Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Local Futures |isbn=978-93-83802-15-9 |pages=1–44}}</ref> As in other parts of Central Asia, tea in Ladakh is traditionally made with strong green tea, butter, and salt. It is mixed in a large churn and known as ''[[Butter tea|gurgur cha]]'', after the sound it makes when mixed. Sweet tea (''cha ngarmo'') is common now, made in the Indian style with milk and sugar. Most of the surplus barley that is produced is fermented into ''chang'', an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.<ref name="WomensAlliance">{{cite book |last=Norberg-Hodge |first=Helena |year=2000 |title=Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh |publisher=Oxford India Paperbacks }}</ref>
Ladakhi food has much in common with [[Tibetan food]], the most prominent foods being ''[[thukpa]]'' (noodle soup) and ''[[tsampa]]'', known in Ladakhi as ''ngampe'' (roasted barley flour). Edible without cooking, ''tsampa'' makes useful trekking food. Strictly Ladakhi dishes include ''skyu'' and ''chutagi'', both heavy and rich soup pasta dishes, ''skyu'' being made with root vegetables and meat, and ''chutagi'' with leafy greens and vegetables.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motup |first=Sonam |date= |title=Food & Cuisine: 10 Best Dishes to Eat in Leh-Ladakh 🥄🥣 |url=https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/practical-info/food-and-cuisine-10-best-dishes-to-eat-in-ladakh |access-date= |website= |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108115012/https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/practical-info/food-and-cuisine-10-best-dishes-to-eat-in-ladakh |url-status=live }}</ref> As Ladakh moves toward a cash-based economy, foods from the plains of India are becoming more common.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Jensen |first2=A. |last3=Padmanabhan |first3=S. |last4=Desor |first4=S. |last5=Dolma |first5=R. |title=Dhontang: Food in Ladakh |date=2019 |publisher=Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Local Futures |isbn=978-93-83802-15-9 |pages=1–44}}</ref> As in other parts of Central Asia, tea in Ladakh is traditionally made with strong green tea, butter, and salt. It is mixed in a large churn and known as ''[[Butter tea|gurgur cha]]'', after the sound it makes when mixed. Sweet tea (''cha ngarmo'') is common now, made in the Indian style with milk and sugar. Most of the surplus barley that is produced is fermented into ''chang'', an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.<ref name="WomensAlliance">{{cite book |last=Norberg-Hodge |first=Helena |year=2000 |title=Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh |publisher=Oxford India Paperbacks}}</ref>


=== Music and dance ===
=== Music and dance ===
Line 570: Line 380:
[[File:Buddhist deity.jpg|thumb|Dancer in masked dance festival]]
[[File:Buddhist deity.jpg|thumb|Dancer in masked dance festival]]
[[File:Jabro Dance Ladakh.jpg|thumb|Jabro Dance]]
[[File:Jabro Dance Ladakh.jpg|thumb|Jabro Dance]]
The music of Ladakhi Buddhist monastic festivals, like [[Music of Tibet|Tibetan music]], often involves religious [[chanting]] in [[Classical Tibetan|Tibetan]] as an integral part of the religion. These chants are complex, often recitations of sacred texts or in celebration of various festivals. ''Yang'' chanting, performed without metrical timing, is accompanied by resonant drums and low, sustained syllables. Religious mask dances are an important part of Ladakh's cultural life. [[Hemis monastery]], a leading centre of the [[Drukpa Lineage|Drukpa]] tradition of Buddhism, holds an annual masked dance festival, as do all major Ladakhi monasteries. The dances typically narrate a story of the fight between good and evil, ending with the eventual victory of the former.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dollsofindia.com/library/article0010/2/ |title=Masks: Reflections of Culture and Religion |publisher=Dolls of India |access-date=21 August 2006 |date=12 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710143621/http://www.dollsofindia.com/library/article0010/2/ |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Weaving is an important part of traditional life in eastern Ladakh. Both women and men weave, on different looms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0834805219-0 |title=Living Fabric: Weaving Among the Nomads of Ladakh Himalaya |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123453/http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0834805219-0 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The music of Ladakhi Buddhist monastic festivals, like [[Music of Tibet|Tibetan music]], often involves religious [[chanting]] in [[Classical Tibetan|Tibetan]] as an integral part of the religion. These chants are complex, often recitations of sacred texts or in celebration of various festivals. ''Yang'' chanting, performed without metrical timing, is accompanied by resonant drums and low, sustained syllables. Religious mask dances are an important part of Ladakh's cultural life. [[Hemis monastery]], a leading centre of the [[Drukpa Lineage|Drukpa]] tradition of Buddhism, holds an annual masked dance festival, as do all major Ladakhi monasteries. The dances typically narrate a story of the fight between good and evil, ending with the eventual victory of the former.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dollsofindia.com/library/article0010/2/ |title=Masks: Reflections of Culture and Religion |publisher=Dolls of India |access-date=21 August 2006 |date=12 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710143621/http://www.dollsofindia.com/library/article0010/2/ |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Weaving is an important part of traditional life in eastern Ladakh. Both women and men weave, on different looms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0834805219-0 |title=Living Fabric: Weaving Among the Nomads of Ladakh Himalaya |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123453/http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0834805219-0 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Sport ===
=== Sport ===
[[File:Sul-ma, woman’s woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century.JPG|thumb|Sul-ma, woman's woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century]]
[[File:Sul-ma, woman’s woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century.JPG|thumb|Sul-ma, woman's woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century]]
The most popular sport in Ladakh is [[Ice hockey in India|ice hockey]], which is played only on natural ice generally mid-December through mid-February.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sherlip |first=Adam |title=Hockey Foundation |url=http://www.hockeyfoundation.org}}</ref> Cricket is also very popular.
The most popular sport in Ladakh is [[Ice hockey in India|ice hockey]], which is played only on natural ice generally mid-December through mid-February.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sherlip |first=Adam |title=Hockey Foundation |url=http://www.hockeyfoundation.org/ |access-date=6 July 2012 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623143225/http://www.hockeyfoundation.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cricket is also very popular.{{Citation needed span|text=|date=May 2022}}


Archery is a traditional sport in Ladakh, and many villages hold archery festivals, which are as much about traditional dancing, drinking and gambling, as they are about the sport. The sport is conducted with strict etiquette, to the accompaniment of the music of ''surna'' and ''daman'' ([[shehnai]] and drum). Polo, the other traditional sport of Ladakh, is indigenous to Baltistan and [[Gilgit]], and was probably introduced into Ladakh in the mid-17th century by King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/culture/index.htm |title=Ladakh culture |publisher=Jammu and Kashmir Tourism |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712004749/http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/culture/index.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=12 July 2006}}</ref>
Archery is a traditional sport in Ladakh, and many villages hold archery festivals, which are as much about traditional dancing, drinking and gambling, as they are about the sport. The sport is conducted with strict etiquette, to the accompaniment of the music of ''surna'' and ''daman'' ([[shehnai]] and drum). Polo, the other traditional sport of Ladakh, is indigenous to Baltistan and [[Gilgit]], and was probably introduced into Ladakh in the mid-17th century by King [[Sengge Namgyal|Singge Namgyal]], whose mother was a Balti princess.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/culture/index.htm |title=Ladakh culture |publisher=Jammu and Kashmir Tourism |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712004749/http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/culture/index.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=12 July 2006}}</ref>


Polo, popular among the Baltis, is an annual affair in Drass region of Kargil district.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Jul/10/lalit-group-organises-polo-tourney-in-drass-19.asp |title=Lalit Group Organises Polo Tourney in Drass, Celebrating 100 Years, Sports Events Imperative To Showcase Talent: Omar |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730165436/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Jul/10/lalit-group-organises-polo-tourney-in-drass-19.asp |archive-date=30 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://khagta.photoshelter.com/gallery/-/G0000A0sXWCwJqug/ |title=Traditonal &#91;sic&#93; Polo in Drass, Ladakh &#124; Himanshu Khagta – Travel Photographer in India |last=Khagta |first=Himanshu |author-link=Himanshu Khagta |date=18 July 2011 |website=PhotoShelter: Himanshu Khagta |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.statetimes.in/news/manipur-lifts-lalit-suri-polo-cup/ |title=Manipur lifts Lalit Suri Polo Cup |work=[[State Times]] |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517115507/http://www.statetimes.in/news/manipur-lifts-lalit-suri-polo-cup/ |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-events/the-lalit-suri-exhibition-polo-2009 |title=Business Hotels in India – Event Planning in India – The Lalit Hotels |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314203252/http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-events/the-lalit-suri-exhibition-polo-2009 |archive-date=14 March 2013}}</ref>
Polo, popular among the Baltis, is an annual affair in Drass region of Kargil district.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Jul/10/lalit-group-organises-polo-tourney-in-drass-19.asp |title=Lalit Group Organises Polo Tourney in Drass, Celebrating 100 Years, Sports Events Imperative To Showcase Talent: Omar |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730165436/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Jul/10/lalit-group-organises-polo-tourney-in-drass-19.asp |archive-date=30 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://khagta.photoshelter.com/gallery/-/G0000A0sXWCwJqug/ |title=Traditonal &#91;sic&#93; Polo in Drass, Ladakh &#124; Himanshu Khagta – Travel Photographer in India |last=Khagta |first=Himanshu |author-link=Himanshu Khagta |date=18 July 2011 |website=PhotoShelter: Himanshu Khagta |access-date=6 June 2013 |archive-date=31 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131195724/https://khagta.photoshelter.com/gallery/-/G0000A0sXWCwJqug/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.statetimes.in/news/manipur-lifts-lalit-suri-polo-cup/ |title=Manipur lifts Lalit Suri Polo Cup |work=[[State Times]] |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517115507/http://www.statetimes.in/news/manipur-lifts-lalit-suri-polo-cup/ |archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-events/the-lalit-suri-exhibition-polo-2009 |title=Business Hotels in India – Event Planning in India – The Lalit Hotels |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314203252/http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-events/the-lalit-suri-exhibition-polo-2009 |archive-date=14 March 2013}}</ref>


The [[Ladakh Marathon]] is a high-altitude [[marathon]] held in [[Leh]] every year since 2012. Held at a height of {{convert|11500|to|17,618|ft}}, it is one of the world's highest marathons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lahdc-organises-3rd-ladakh-marathon-at-leh-114091501153_1.html |title=LAHDC organises 3rd Ladakh Marathon at Leh &#124; Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref>
The [[Ladakh Marathon]] is a high-altitude [[marathon]] held in Leh every year since 2012. Held at a height of {{convert|11500|to|17,618|ft}}, it is one of the world's highest marathons.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lahdc-organises-3rd-ladakh-marathon-at-leh-114091501153_1.html |title=LAHDC organises 3rd Ladakh Marathon at Leh &#124; Business Standard News |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=15 September 2014 |publisher=Business-standard.com |access-date=14 September 2015 |agency=Press Trust of India |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022402/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lahdc-organises-3rd-ladakh-marathon-at-leh-114091501153_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


[[File:First ever Khelo India Winter Games.jpg|thumb|250px| First ever [[Khelo India Youth Games|Khelo India]] Winter Games in Ladakh]]
[[File:First ever Khelo India Winter Games.jpg|thumb|250px| First ever [[Khelo India Youth Games|Khelo India]] Winter Games in Ladakh]]
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=== Social status of women ===
=== Social status of women ===
[[File:Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat (2014).jpg|thumb|Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat]]
[[File:Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat (2014).jpg|thumb|Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat]]
A feature of Ladakhi society that distinguishes it from the rest of the state is the high status and relative emancipation enjoyed by women compared to other rural parts of India. Fraternal [[polyandry]] and inheritance by [[primogeniture]] were common in Ladakh until the early 1940s when these were made illegal by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the practice remained in existence into the 1990s especially among the elderly and the more isolated rural populations.<ref name="Gielen, U. P. 1993">{{cite journal |last=Gielen |first=Uwe |title=Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures |year=1998 |journal= In L.L Adler (Ed.), International Handbook on Gender Roles. Westport, CT: Greenwood.|pages=413–437}}</ref> Another custom is known as ''khang-bu'', or 'little house', in which the elders of a family, as soon as the eldest son has sufficiently matured, retire from participation in affairs, yielding the headship of the family to him and taking only enough of the property for their own sustenance.<ref name =Crossroads />
A feature of Ladakhi society that distinguishes it from the rest of the state is the high status and relative emancipation enjoyed by women compared to other rural parts of India. Fraternal [[polyandry]] and inheritance by [[primogeniture]] were common in Ladakh until the early 1940s when these were made illegal by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the practice remained in existence into the 1990s especially among the elderly and the more isolated rural populations.<ref name="Gielen, U. P. 1993">{{cite journal |last=Gielen |first=Uwe |title=Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures |year=1998 |journal=In L.L Adler (Ed.), International Handbook on Gender Roles. Westport, CT: Greenwood. |pages=413–437}}</ref> Another custom is known as ''khang-bu'', or 'little house', in which the elders of a family, as soon as the eldest son has sufficiently matured, retire from participation in affairs, yielding the headship of the family to him and taking only enough of the property for their own sustenance.<ref name =Crossroads /> [[File:Ladakh Perak Headdress from the WOVENSOULS collection.jpg|thumb|Ladakhi Perak Headdress courtesy the Wovenosuls collection]]


=== Traditional medicine ===
=== Traditional medicine ===
{{main|Traditional Tibetan medicine}}
{{main|Traditional Tibetan medicine}}
[[Tibetan medicine]] has been the traditional health system of Ladakh for over a thousand years. This school of traditional healing contains elements of [[Ayurveda]] and [[Chinese medicine]], combined with the philosophy and [[cosmology]] of Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries, the only medical system accessible to the people have been the ''[[Sowa Rigpa|amchi]]'', traditional doctors following the Tibetan medical tradition. ''[[Sowa Rigpa|Amchi]]'' medicine remains a component of public health, especially in remote areas.<ref name="Plantlife">{{cite web |url=http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Ladakh.htm |title=Plantlife.org project on medicinal plants of importance to amchi medicine |publisher=Plantlife.org.uk |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617115651/http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Ladakh.htm |archive-date=17 June 2009 }}</ref>
[[Tibetan medicine]] has been the traditional health system of Ladakh for over a thousand years. This school of traditional healing contains elements of [[Ayurveda]] and [[Chinese medicine]], combined with the philosophy and [[cosmology]] of Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries, the only medical system accessible to the people have been the ''[[Sowa Rigpa|amchi]]'', traditional doctors following the Tibetan medical tradition. ''[[Sowa Rigpa|Amchi]]'' medicine remains a component of public health, especially in remote areas.<ref name="Plantlife">{{cite web |url=http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Ladakh.htm |title=Plantlife.org project on medicinal plants of importance to amchi medicine |publisher=Plantlife.org.uk |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617115651/http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Ladakh.htm |archive-date=17 June 2009}}</ref>


Programmes by the government, local and international organisations are working to develop and rejuvenate this traditional system of healing.<ref name="Plantlife" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cbhi-hsprod.nic.in/listdetails.asp?roid=127 |title=A government of India project in support of Sowa Rigpa-'amchi' medicine |publisher=Cbhi-hsprod.nic.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222103818/http://cbhi-hsprod.nic.in/listdetails.asp?roid=127 |archive-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Efforts are underway to preserve the intellectual property rights of [[Sowa Rigpa|''amchi'' medicine]] for the people of Ladakh. The government has also been trying to promote the [[Hippophae|sea buckthorn]] in the form of juice and jam, as some claim it possess medicinal properties.
Programmes by the government, local and international organisations are working to develop and rejuvenate this traditional system of healing.<ref name="Plantlife" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cbhi-hsprod.nic.in/listdetails.asp?roid=127 |title=A government of India project in support of Sowa Rigpa-'amchi' medicine |publisher=Cbhi-hsprod.nic.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222103818/http://cbhi-hsprod.nic.in/listdetails.asp?roid=127 |archive-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Efforts are underway to preserve the intellectual property rights of [[Sowa Rigpa|''amchi'' medicine]] for the people of Ladakh. The government has also been trying to promote the [[Hippophae|sea buckthorn]] in the form of juice and jam, as some claim it possess medicinal properties.


The [[National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa]] in Leh is an institute for research into traditional medicine and a hospital providing traditional treatments.<ref>{{cite web | title=Modi govt to promote Tibetan healing system with AIIMS-like Sowa-Rigpa hospital in Leh | website=ThePrint | date=28 November 2019 | url=https://theprint.in/health/modi-govt-to-promote-tibetan-healing-system-with-aiims-like-sowa-rigpa-hospital-in-leh/326946/ | access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref>
The [[National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa]] in Leh is an institute for research into traditional medicine and a hospital providing traditional treatments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Modi govt to promote Tibetan healing system with AIIMS-like Sowa-Rigpa hospital in Leh |website=ThePrint |date=28 November 2019 |url=https://theprint.in/health/modi-govt-to-promote-tibetan-healing-system-with-aiims-like-sowa-rigpa-hospital-in-leh/326946/ |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203123554/https://theprint.in/health/modi-govt-to-promote-tibetan-healing-system-with-aiims-like-sowa-rigpa-hospital-in-leh/326946/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==
According to the 2001 census, the overall literacy rate in Leh District is 62% (72% for males and 50% for females), and in Kargil District 58% (74% for males and 41% for females).<ref>{{cite web |year =2001 |url=http://www.educationforallinindia.com/page157.html |title=District-specific Literates and Literacy Rates |publisher=Education for all website |access-date=21 August 2006}}</ref> Traditionally there was little or nothing by way of formal education except in the monasteries. Usually, one son from every family was obliged to master the Tibetan script in order to read the holy books.<ref name="Crossroads" />
According to the 2001 census, the overall literacy rate in Leh District is 62% (72% for males and 50% for females), and in Kargil District 58% (74% for males and 41% for females).<ref>{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://www.educationforallinindia.com/page157.html |title=District-specific Literates and Literacy Rates |publisher=Education for all website |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-date=14 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414170051/http://www.educationforallinindia.com/page157.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Traditionally there was little or nothing by way of formal education except in the monasteries. Usually, one son from every family was obliged to master the [[Tibetan script]] in order to read the holy books.<ref name="Crossroads" />


The [[Moravian Church|Moravian Mission]] opened a school in Leh in October 1889, and the ''Wazir-i Wazarat'' (''ex officio'' Joint Commissioner with a British officer) of Baltistan and Ladakh ordered that every family with more than one child should send one of them to school. This order met with great resistance from the local people who feared that the children would be forced to convert to Christianity. The school taught Tibetan, Urdu, English, Geography, Sciences, Nature study, Arithmetic, Geometry and Bible study.<ref name =Ray /> It is still in existence today. The first local school to provide western education was opened by a local Society called "Lamdon Social Welfare Society" in 1973. Later, with support from [[Dalai Lama]] and some international organisations, the school, now known as Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, has grown to accommodate approximately two thousand pupils in several branches. It prides itself on preserving Ladakhi tradition and culture.<ref name="Lamdon">{{Cite web |url=https://www.internationaledventures.com/ |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090326084955/http://www.internationaledventures.com/Files/Who%20we%20support/Lamdon%20.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Leh, Ladakh. A History of Lamdon School |publisher=The Lamdon Social Welfare Society |archive-date=26 March 2009 |website=internationaledventures.com}}</ref>
The [[Moravian Church|Moravian Mission]] opened a school in Leh in October 1889, and the ''Wazir-i Wazarat'' (''ex officio'' Joint Commissioner with a British officer) of Baltistan and Ladakh ordered that every family with more than one child should send one of them to school. This order met with great resistance from the local people who feared that the children would be forced to convert to Christianity. The school taught Tibetan, Urdu, English, Geography, Sciences, Nature study, Arithmetic, Geometry and Bible study.<ref name="Ray">{{cite book |last=Ray |first=John |title=Ladakhi Histories – Local and Regional Perspectives |publisher=Koninklijke Brill NV |year=2005 |location=[[Leiden]], Netherlands}}</ref> It is still in existence today. The first local school to provide western education was opened by a local Society called "Lamdon Social Welfare Society" in 1973. Later, with support from [[Dalai Lama]] and some international organisations, the school, now known as Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, has grown to accommodate approximately two thousand pupils in several branches. It prides itself on preserving Ladakhi tradition and culture.<ref name="Lamdon">{{Cite web |url=https://www.internationaledventures.com/ |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090326084955/http://www.internationaledventures.com/Files/Who%20we%20support/Lamdon%20.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Leh, Ladakh. A History of Lamdon School |publisher=The Lamdon Social Welfare Society |archive-date=26 March 2009 |website=internationaledventures.com}}</ref>


Schools are well distributed throughout Ladakh but 75% of them provide only primary education. 65% of children attend school, but absenteeism of both students and teachers remains high. In both districts the failure rate at school-leaving level ([[Education in India|class X]]) had for many years been around 85%–95%, while of those managing to scrape through, barely half succeeded in qualifying for college entrance (class XII). Before 1993, students were taught in Urdu until they were 14, after which the medium of instruction shifted to English.
Schools are well distributed throughout Ladakh but 75% of them provide only primary education. 65% of children attend school, but absenteeism of both students and teachers remains high. In both districts the failure rate at school-leaving level ([[Education in India|class X]]) had for many years been around 85%–95%, while of those managing to scrape through, barely half succeeded in qualifying for college entrance (class XII). Before 1993, students were taught in Urdu until they were 14, after which the medium of instruction shifted to English.


In 1994 the [[Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh]] (SECMOL) launched Operation New Hope (ONH), a campaign to provide "culturally appropriate and locally relevant education" and make government schools more functional and effective.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1285-Education-reform,-interrupted.html |title=Education reform, interrupted |access-date=17 February 2008 |year=2009 |orig-year=2007 |author=Justin Shilad |work=Himal Southasian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111014438/http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1285-Education-reform%2C-interrupted.html |archive-date=11 November 2013 }}</ref>
As of January 2022, there were 904 Government run schools in Ladakh and 113 publicly run private schools in Ladakh <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dse.ladakh.gov.in/profile.html |title=Profile &#124; Department of School Education UT Ladakh &#124; Ladakh &#124; GoI |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127183155/https://dse.ladakh.gov.in/profile.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In 1994 the [[Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh]] (SECMOL) launched Operation New Hope (ONH), a campaign to provide "culturally appropriate and locally relevant education" and make government schools more functional and effective.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1285-Education-reform,-interrupted.html |title=Education reform, interrupted |access-date=17 February 2008 |year=2009 |orig-year=2007 |author=Justin Shilad |work=Himal Southasian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111014438/http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1285-Education-reform%2C-interrupted.html |archive-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> [[Central Institute of Buddhist Studies]] a [[Deemed University]] in Leh is the oldest institution in this reason which mainly focuses on Buddhist philosophy but also offer degrees in different fields.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies |url=http://cibs.ac.in/ |access-date=23 March 2023 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015512/https://cibs.ac.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


[[File:Hanle observatory.jpg|thumb|[[Indian Astronomical Observatory]] near Leh]]
[[File:Hanle observatory.jpg|thumb|[[Indian Astronomical Observatory]] near Leh]]
[[University of Ladakh]] and [[Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh, Ladakh|Eliezer Joldan Memorial College]], a government degree college, enables students to pursue higher education without having to leave Ladakh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visit-ladakh.com/ladakh-education.html |title=Education in Ladakh |publisher=Visit Ladakh Travel |access-date=22 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928003704/http://www.visit-ladakh.com/ladakh-education.html |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> The [[Indian Astronomical Observatory]] is located in [[Hanle (village)|Hanle]] and is operated by the [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]].<ref>{{cite web | title=New gamma ray telescope coming up in Ladakh to observe exploding stars, black holes | website=Firstpost | date=21 September 2018 | url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/new-gamma-ray-telescope-coming-up-in-ladakh-to-observe-exploding-stars-black-holes-5230301.html | access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref>
The [[University of Ladakh]] with its two campuses (One each in Kargil & Leh) and its constituent colleges enables students to pursue higher education without having to leave Ladakh.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.universityofladakh.org.in/about-us |title=About Us |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310024515/https://www.universityofladakh.org.in/about-us |url-status=dead}}</ref> A central University has also been approved to be set up in Ladakh by the Union Cabinet.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/cabinet-approves-setting-up-central-university-in-ladakh-7417788/ |title=Cabinet approves setting up central university in Ladakh |date=23 July 2021 |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310075053/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/cabinet-approves-setting-up-central-university-in-ladakh-7417788/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Indian Astronomical Observatory]] is located in [[Hanle (village)|Hanle]] and is operated by the [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New gamma ray telescope coming up in Ladakh to observe exploding stars, black holes |website=Firstpost |date=21 September 2018 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/new-gamma-ray-telescope-coming-up-in-ladakh-to-observe-exploding-stars-black-holes-5230301.html |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924014507/https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/new-gamma-ray-telescope-coming-up-in-ladakh-to-observe-exploding-stars-black-holes-5230301.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In December 2019, the union minister of state for home affairs Mr [[G. Kishan Reddy|G Kishan Reddy]], in a written response has stated in Parliament that the Government of India has approved to establish a Medical College and [[National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa]] in the district of Leh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/two-aiims-like-institutions-8-medical-colleges-in-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-govt-6159847/ |title=Two AIIMS-like institutions, 8 medical colleges in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh: Govt |date=10 December 2019 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211042750/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/two-aiims-like-institutions-8-medical-colleges-in-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-govt-6159847/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In December 2019, the union minister of state for home affairs Mr [[G. Kishan Reddy|G Kishan Reddy]], in a written response has stated in Parliament that the Government of India has approved to establish a Medical College and [[National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa]] in the district of Leh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/two-aiims-like-institutions-8-medical-colleges-in-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-govt-6159847/|title=Two AIIMS-like institutions, 8 medical colleges in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh: Govt|date=10 December 2019|website=The Indian Express|access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>
In August 2021, the [[Parliament of India]] amended the [[Central university (India)|Central Universities Act]] to establish a central university in Ladakh named "Sindhu Central University".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-passes-bill-to-set-up-central-university-in-ladakh/article35815097.ece |title=Parliament passes Bill to set up Central university in Ladakh |website=The Hindu |access-date=2 September 2021 |archive-date=2 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902051629/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-passes-bill-to-set-up-central-university-in-ladakh/article35815097.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-govt-moves-lok-sabha-for-sindhu-central-university-in-ladakh-101628168112507.html |title=Sindhu Central University in Ladakh |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=2 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904184922/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-govt-moves-lok-sabha-for-sindhu-central-university-in-ladakh-101628168112507.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Media ==
== Media ==
{{See also|Ladakh International Film Festival}}
{{See also|Ladakh International Film Festival}}
The government radio broadcaster [[All India Radio]] (AIR)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allindiaradio.gov.in/Station/LEH/Pages/default.aspx |title=AIR Leh |publisher=[[Prasar Bharati]] |access-date=2 August 2013}}</ref> and government television station [[Doordarshan]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/Doordarshan+Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120031304/http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/Doordarshan+Studios |url-status=dead |title=List of Doordarshan studios |archive-date=20 January 2011}}</ref> have stations in Leh that broadcast local content for a few hours a day. Beyond that, Ladakhis produce feature films that are screened in auditoriums and community halls. They are often made on fairly modest budgets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ladakhi-films-overshadow-bollywood-in-the-himalayas_100258767.html |title=Thaindia News |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=10 October 2009 |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
 
The government radio broadcaster [[All India Radio]] (AIR)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allindiaradio.gov.in/Station/LEH/Pages/default.aspx |title=AIR Leh |publisher=[[Prasar Bharati]] |access-date=2 August 2013 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223408/http://allindiaradio.gov.in/Station/LEH/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and government television station [[Doordarshan]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/Doordarshan+Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120031304/http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/Doordarshan+Studios |url-status=dead |title=List of Doordarshan studios |archive-date=20 January 2011}}</ref> have stations in Leh that broadcast local content for a few hours a day. Beyond that, Ladakhis produce feature films that are screened in auditoriums and community halls. They are often made on fairly modest budgets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ladakhi-films-overshadow-bollywood-in-the-himalayas_100258767.html |title=Thaindia News |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=10 October 2009 |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124952/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ladakhi-films-overshadow-bollywood-in-the-himalayas_100258767.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 14 December 2021, the first FM radio station in Ladakh was established in [[Leh]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ladakh gets its first-ever FM radio station |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ladakh-first-ever-fm-radio-station-7673285/ |date=14 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2021 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |archive-date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215005126/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ladakh-first-ever-fm-radio-station-7673285/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


There are a handful of private news outlets.
There are a handful of private news outlets.
* ''Reach Ladakh Bulletin'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Deptt |first=Information |url=http://www.reachladakh.com |title=ReachLadakh.com |publisher=ReachLadakh.com |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref> a biweekly newspaper in English, is the only print media published by and for Ladakhis.
 
* ''Rangyul'' or ''Kargil Number'' is a newspaper published from Kashmir covering Ladakh in English and Urdu.
*''Reach Ladakh Bulletin'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Deptt |first=Information |url=http://www.reachladakh.com/ |title=ReachLadakh.com |publisher=ReachLadakh.com |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901092402/https://www.reachladakh.com/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> a biweekly newspaper in English, is the only print media published by and for Ladakhis.
* ''Ladags Melong'', an initiative of SECMOL, was published from 1992 to 2005 in English and Ladakhi.
*''Rangyul'' or ''Kargil Number'' is a newspaper published from Kashmir covering Ladakh in English and Urdu.
* ''Sintic Magazine'', a lifestyle and tourist magazine of Ladakh, was started in 2018 in English.
*''Ladags Melong'', an initiative of SECMOL, was published from 1992 to 2005 in English and Ladakhi.
*''Sintic Magazine'', a lifestyle and tourist magazine of Ladakh, was started in 2018 in English.


Some publications that cover Jammu and Kashmir as a whole provide some coverage of Ladakh.
Some publications that cover Jammu and Kashmir as a whole provide some coverage of Ladakh.
* ''[[The Daily Excelsior]]'' claims to be "The largest circulated daily of Jammu and Kashmir".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com |title=The Daily Excelsior |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
 
*''Epilogue'', a monthly magazine covering Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.epilogue.in |title=Epilogue's website |publisher=Epilogue.in |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
*''[[The Daily Excelsior]]'' claims to be "The largest circulated daily of Jammu and Kashmir".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ |title=The Daily Excelsior |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622155621/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''Kashmir Times'', a daily newspaper covering Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kashmirtimes.com |title=The Kashmir Times |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
*''Epilogue'', a monthly magazine covering Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.epilogue.in/ |title=Epilogue's website |publisher=Epilogue.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=25 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625074816/http://www.epilogue.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''[[Kashmir Times]]'', a daily newspaper covering Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kashmirtimes.com/ |title=The Kashmir Times |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=20 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620234302/http://www.kashmirtimes.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Pensi La-Stod.JPG|Pensi La
File:Khardung La (pass), Ladakh Range, North India, Himalaya.jpg|Khardung La
File:Lake-on-shingo-la.jpg|Shingo La
File:Lake-on-shingo-la.jpg|Shingo La
File:Shanti Stupa, Leh, 20180814.jpg|Shanti Stupa, Leh
File:Shanti Stupa, Leh, 20180814.jpg|Shanti Stupa, Leh
File:Front of the Thiksey Monastery.jpg|Front of the Thiksey Monastery
File:Thikse Monastery2.jpg|Thiksey Monastery
File:Likir (224).jpg|Likir Monastery
File:Likir (224).jpg|Likir Monastery
File:Himalayan Backdrop near Leh.jpg|Trees nestled in front of the Himalayas near Leh
File:Leh, Trees, Ladakh, India.jpg|Trees in the Indus Valley near Leh
File:Nubra Valley view with Reflection.jpg|Nubra Valley view with reflection
File:Nubra Valley view with Reflection.jpg|Nubra Valley view with reflection
File:Mune wall col.jpg|Carved stone tablets, each with the inscription "[[Om Mani Padme Hum]]" along the paths of Zanskar
File:Mune wall col.jpg|Carved stone tablets, each with the inscription "[[Om Mani Padme Hum]]" along the paths of Zanskar
Line 640: Line 457:
<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Balti language]]
*[[Ladakh Buddhist Association]]
* [[Ladakh Buddhist Association]]
*[[Ladakh Scouts]]
* [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
*[[Ladakh Union Territory Front]]
* [[Ladakh Scouts]]
*[[Emblem of Ladakh]]
* [[Ladakh Police]]
*[[Polyandry in Tibet]]
* [[Ladakh Union Territory Front]]
* [[Polyandry in Tibet]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
{{notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
=== Citations ===
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}


=== Sources ===
=== Sources ===
* {{citation |first=Gerhard |last=Emmer |chapter=Dga' Ldan Tshe Dbang Dpal Bzang Po and the Tibet-Ladakh-Mugha1 War of 1679–84 |title=Proceedings of the Tenth Seminar of the IATS, 2003. Volume 9: The Mongolia-Tibet Interface: Opening New Research Terrains in Inner Asia |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GPKvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA95 |year= 2007 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-474-2171-9 |pages=81–108 |ref={{sfnref|Emmer, the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War|2007}}}}
*{{citation |first=Gerhard |last=Emmer |chapter=Dga' Ldan Tshe Dbang Dpal Bzang Po and the Tibet-Ladakh-Mugha1 War of 1679–84 |title=Proceedings of the Tenth Seminar of the IATS, 2003. Volume 9: The Mongolia-Tibet Interface: Opening New Research Terrains in Inner Asia |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GPKvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA95 |year=2007 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-474-2171-9 |pages=81–108 |ref={{sfnref|Emmer, the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War|2007}}}}
* {{citation |last1=Fisher |first1=Margaret W. |last2=Rose |first2=Leo E. |last3=Huttenback |first3=Robert A. |title=Himalayan Battleground: Sino-Indian Rivalry in Ladakh |year=1963 |publisher=Praeger |url=http://www.questia.com/read/10466588 |url-access=subscription |via=[[Questia]] |ref={{sfnref|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963}}}}
*{{citation |last1=Fisher |first1=Margaret W. |last2=Rose |first2=Leo E. |last3=Huttenback |first3=Robert A. |title=Himalayan Battleground: Sino-Indian Rivalry in Ladakh |year=1963 |publisher=Praeger |url=http://www.questia.com/read/10466588/himalayan-battleground-sino-indian-rivalry-in-ladakh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827222824/https://www.questia.com/read/10466588/himalayan-battleground-sino-indian-rivalry-in-ladakh |archive-date=27 August 2017 |asin=B0007DVVG2 |ref={{sfnref|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963}}}}<!-- The link is only to a sample of the book.  You can buy the book second-hand using an online bookshop -->
* {{citation |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |author-link=August Hermann Francke (Tibetologist) |title=A History of Western Tibet |publisher=S. W. Partridge & Co |year=1907 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofwestern00ahfr/page/n6 |via=archive.org |ref={{sfnref|Francke, A History of Western Tibet|1907}}}}
*{{citation |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |author-link=August Hermann Francke (Tibetologist) |title=A History of Western Tibet |publisher=S. W. Partridge & Co |year=1907 |isbn=9788120610439 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofwestern00ahfr/page/n6 |via=archive.org |ref={{sfnref|Francke, A History of Western Tibet|1907}}}}
* {{cite book |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |title=Antiquities of Indian Tibet |work=Volume 38; Volume 50 of New imperial series |publisher=[[Asian Educational Services]] |page=94 |year=1992 |orig-year=first published 1926 |isbn=81-206-0769-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C |ref={{sfnref|Francke, Antiquities of Indian Tibet|1992}}}}
*{{cite book |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |title=Antiquities of Indian Tibet |work=Volume 38; Volume 50 of New imperial series |publisher=[[Asian Educational Services]] |page=94 |year=1992 |orig-year=first published 1926 |isbn=81-206-0769-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C |ref={{sfnref|Francke, Antiquities of Indian Tibet|1992}}}}
* {{citation |last1=Handa |first1=O. C. |title=Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4VuovXa5YUC&pg=PA130 |year=2001 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-124-5 |ref={{sfnref|Handa, Buddhist Western Himalaya|2001}}}}
*{{citation |last1=Handa |first1=O. C. |title=Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4VuovXa5YUC&pg=PA130 |year=2001 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-124-5 |ref={{sfnref|Handa, Buddhist Western Himalaya|2001}}}}
* {{citation |first=Prem Singh |last=Jina |title=Ladakh: The Land and the People |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjhcZgDy-WMC |year=1996 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-057-6 |ref={{sfnref|Jina, Ladakh|1996}}}}
*{{citation |first=Prem Singh |last=Jina |title=Ladakh: The Land and the People |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjhcZgDy-WMC |year=1996 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-057-6 |ref={{sfnref|Jina, Ladakh|1996}}}}
* {{citation |editor1-first=Erberto |editor1-last=Lo Bue |editor2-first=John |editor2-last=Bray |chapter=Introduction |title=Art and Architecture in Ladakh: Cross-cultural Transmissions in the Himalayas and Karakoram |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5 |year=2014 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-27180-7 |ref={{sfnref|Lo Bue & Bray, Art and Architecture in Ladakh|2014}}}}
*{{citation |editor1-first=Erberto |editor1-last=Lo Bue |editor2-first=John |editor2-last=Bray |chapter=Introduction |title=Art and Architecture in Ladakh: Cross-cultural Transmissions in the Himalayas and Karakoram |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5 |year=2014 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-27180-7 |ref={{sfnref|Lo Bue & Bray, Art and Architecture in Ladakh|2014}}}}
** {{citation |first=Phuntsog |last=Dorjay |chapter=Embedded in Stone—Early Buddhist Rock Art of Ladakh |title=Ibid |year=2014 |isbn=9789004271807 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA35 |pages=35–67 |ref={{sfnref|Dorjay, Embedded in Stone|2014}}}}
**{{citation |first=Phuntsog |last=Dorjay |chapter=Embedded in Stone—Early Buddhist Rock Art of Ladakh |title=Ibid |year=2014 |isbn=9789004271807 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA35 |pages=35–67 |ref={{sfnref|Dorjay, Embedded in Stone|2014}}}}
** {{citation |last1=Howard |first1=Neil |last2=Howard |first2=Kath |chapter=Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley, Eastern Ladakh, and a Consideration of Their Relationship to the History of Ladakh and Maryul |title=Ibid |year=2014 |isbn=9789004271807 |pages=68–99 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA68 |ref={{sfnref|Howard & Howard, Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley|2014}}}}
**{{citation |last1=Howard |first1=Neil |last2=Howard |first2=Kath |chapter=Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley, Eastern Ladakh, and a Consideration of Their Relationship to the History of Ladakh and Maryul |title=Ibid |year=2014 |isbn=9789004271807 |pages=68–99 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA68 |ref={{sfnref|Howard & Howard, Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley|2014}}}}
* {{citation |last=Petech |first=Luciano |author-link=Luciano Petech |title=The Kingdom of Ladakh, c. 950–1842 A.D. |publisher=Instituto Italiano Per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente |year=1977 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/48901732/1977_Kingdom_of_Ladakh_c_950-1842_AD_by_Petech_s.pdf |via=academia.edu |ref={{sfnref|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977}}}}
*{{citation |last=Petech |first=Luciano |author-link=Luciano Petech |title=The Kingdom of Ladakh, c. 950–1842 A.D. |publisher=Instituto Italiano Per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente |year=1977 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/48901732/1977_Kingdom_of_Ladakh_c_950-1842_AD_by_Petech_s.pdf |via=academia.edu |ref={{sfnref|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977}} }}{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* {{cite book |first=Prem Singh |last=Jina |title=Famous Western Expolorers to Ladakh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QTJbvggV6EC&q=turki+woman+married+to&pg=PA123 |date=1 January 1995 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn =978-81-7387-031-6 |pages=123–}}
*{{cite book |first=Prem Singh |last=Jina |title=Famous Western Expolorers to Ladakh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QTJbvggV6EC&q=turki+woman+married+to&pg=PA123 |date=1 January 1995 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-031-6 |pages=123–}}


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
{{refbegin|30em}}
{{refbegin|30em}}
* Allan, Nigel J. R. 1995 ''Karakorum Himalaya: Sourcebook for a Protected Area''.  [https://web.archive.org/web/20061110121202/http://www.iucn.org/places/pakistan/pdf/Karakoram-sourcebook.pdf IUCN]. {{ISBN|969-8141-13-8}}
*Allan, Nigel J. R. 1995 ''Karakorum Himalaya: Sourcebook for a Protected Area''.  [https://web.archive.org/web/20061110121202/http://www.iucn.org/places/pakistan/pdf/Karakoram-sourcebook.pdf IUCN]. {{ISBN|969-8141-13-8}}
* [[Alexander Cunningham|Cunningham, Alexander]]. 1854. ''Ladak: Physical, Statistical, and Historical; with notices of the surrounding countries''. Reprint: Sagar Publications, New Delhi. 1977.
*[[Alexander Cunningham|Cunningham, Alexander]]. 1854. ''Ladak: Physical, Statistical, and Historical; with notices of the surrounding countries''. Reprint: Sagar Publications, New Delhi. 1977.
* [[Ippolito Desideri|Desideri, Ippolito]] (1932). ''An Account of Tibet: The Travels of Ippolito Desideri 1712–1727''. Ippolito Desideri. Edited by [[Filippo De Filippi (explorer)|Filippo De Filippi]]. Introduction by C. Wessels. Reproduced by Rupa & Co, New Delhi. 2005
*[[Ippolito Desideri|Desideri, Ippolito]] (1932). ''An Account of Tibet: The Travels of Ippolito Desideri 1712–1727''. Ippolito Desideri. Edited by [[Filippo De Filippi (explorer)|Filippo De Filippi]]. Introduction by C. Wessels. Reproduced by Rupa & Co, New Delhi. 2005
* Drew, Federic. 1877. ''The Northern Barrier of India: a popular account of the Jammoo and Kashmir Territories with Illustrations.'' 1st edition: Edward Stanford, London. Reprint: Light & Life Publishers, Jammu. 1971.
*Drew, Federic. 1877. ''The Northern Barrier of India: a popular account of the Jammoo and Kashmir Territories with Illustrations.'' 1st edition: Edward Stanford, London. Reprint: Light & Life Publishers, Jammu. 1971.
* Francke, A. H. (1914), 1920, 1926. ''Antiquities of Indian Tibet. Vol. 1: Personal Narrative; Vol. 2: The Chronicles of Ladak and Minor Chronicles, texts and translations, with Notes and Maps''. Reprint: 1972. S. Chand & Co., New Delhi. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C&dq=Antiquities+of+indian+Tibet&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=BiuhhHjBgj&sig=qXScEP1IS27HYdwHmZR_IRea1dE&hl=de&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result Google Books])
*Francke, A. H. (1914), 1920, 1926. ''Antiquities of Indian Tibet. Vol. 1: Personal Narrative; Vol. 2: The Chronicles of Ladak and Minor Chronicles, texts and translations, with Notes and Maps''. Reprint: 1972. S. Chand & Co., New Delhi. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C&q=Antiquities+of+indian+Tibet Google Books] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405083041/https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C&q=Antiquities+of+indian+Tibet |date=5 April 2023 }})
* Gielen, U. P. 1998. "Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures". In L. L. Adler (Ed.), ''International handbook on gender roles'' (pp.&nbsp;413–437). Westport, CT: Greenwood.
*Gielen, U. P. 1998. "Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures". In L. L. Adler (Ed.), ''International handbook on gender roles'' (pp.&nbsp;413–437). Westport, CT: Greenwood.
* Gillespie, A. (2007). [https://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/1347720/Time_self_and_the_other_the_striving_tourist Time, Self and the Other: The striving tourist in Ladakh, north India]. In Livia Simao and Jaan Valsiner (eds) ''Otherness in question: Development of the self''. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
*Gillespie, A. (2007). [https://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/1347720/Time_self_and_the_other_the_striving_tourist Time, Self and the Other: The striving tourist in Ladakh, north India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028053215/https://www.academia.edu/1308590/Time_self_and_the_other_the_striving_tourist |date=28 October 2022 }}. In Livia Simao and Jaan Valsiner (eds) ''Otherness in question: Development of the self''. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
* Gillespie, A. (2007). [https://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/97290/In_the_other_we_trust_Buying_souvenirs_in_Ladakh_North_India In the other we trust: Buying souvenirs in Ladakh, north India]. In [[Ivana Marková]] and Alex Gillespie (Eds.), ''Trust and distrust: Sociocultural perspectives''. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
*Gillespie, A. (2007). [https://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/97290/In_the_other_we_trust_Buying_souvenirs_in_Ladakh_North_India In the other we trust: Buying souvenirs in Ladakh, north India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723124815/http://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/97290/In_the_other_we_trust_Buying_souvenirs_in_Ladakh_North_India |date=23 July 2012 }}. In [[Ivana Markova]] and Alex Gillespie (Eds.), ''Trust and distrust: Sociocultural perspectives''. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
* ''The Road to Lamaland'' by [[Louis Gompertz|Martin Louis Alan Gompertz]]
*''The Road to Lamaland'' by [[Louis Gompertz|Martin Louis Alan Gompertz]]
* ''Magic Ladakh'' by [[Louis Gompertz|Martin Louis Alan Gompertz]]
*''Magic Ladakh'' by [[Louis Gompertz|Martin Louis Alan Gompertz]]
* Gordon, T. E. 1876. ''The Roof of the World: Being the Narrative of a Journey over the high plateau of Tibet to the Russian Frontier and the Oxus sources on Pamir.'' Edinburgh. Edmonston and Douglas. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company. Tapei. 1971.
*Gordon, T. E. 1876. ''The Roof of the World: Being the Narrative of a Journey over the high plateau of Tibet to the Russian Frontier and the Oxus sources on Pamir.'' Edinburgh. Edmonston and Douglas. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company. Tapei. 1971.
* Ham, Peter Van. 2015. '' Indian Tibet Tibetan India: The Cultural Legacy of the Western Himalayas''. Niyogi Books. {{ISBN|9789383098934}}.
*Ham, Peter Van. 2015. '' Indian Tibet Tibetan India: The Cultural Legacy of the Western Himalayas''. [[Niyogi Books]]. {{ISBN|9789383098934}}.
* Halkias, Georgios (2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684", in ''Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques'', ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp.&nbsp;59–79.[https://www.academia.edu/601756/Until_the_Feathers_of_the_Winged_Black_Raven_Turn_White_Sources_for_the_Tibet-Bashahr_Treaty_of_1679-1684 Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684]
*Halkias, Georgios (2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684", in ''Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques'', ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp.&nbsp;59–79.[https://www.academia.edu/601756/Until_the_Feathers_of_the_Winged_Black_Raven_Turn_White_Sources_for_the_Tibet-Bashahr_Treaty_of_1679-1684 Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105184102/http://www.academia.edu/601756/Until_the_Feathers_of_the_Winged_Black_Raven_Turn_White_Sources_for_the_Tibet-Bashahr_Treaty_of_1679-1684 |date=5 January 2016 }}
* Halkias, Georgios (2010). ''The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchange in Ladakh and Baltistan.'' In Islam-Tibet: Interactions along the Musk Routes, eds. Anna Akasoy et al. Ashgate Publications, 231–252. [https://www.academia.edu/601746/The_Muslim_Queens_of_the_Himalayas_Princess_Exchanges_in_Baltistan_and_Ladakh The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchanges in Baltistan and Ladakh]
*Halkias, Georgios (2010). ''The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchange in Ladakh and Baltistan.'' In Islam-Tibet: Interactions along the Musk Routes, eds. Anna Akasoy et al. Ashgate Publications, 231–252. [https://www.academia.edu/601746/The_Muslim_Queens_of_the_Himalayas_Princess_Exchanges_in_Baltistan_and_Ladakh The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchanges in Baltistan and Ladakh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105184102/http://www.academia.edu/601746/The_Muslim_Queens_of_the_Himalayas_Princess_Exchanges_in_Baltistan_and_Ladakh |date=5 January 2016 }}
* [[Andrew Harvey (religious writer)|Harvey, Andrew]]. 1983. ''A Journey in Ladakh''. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.
*[[Andrew Harvey (religious writer)|Harvey, Andrew]]. 1983. ''A Journey in Ladakh''. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.
*[[K. N. Pandit|Pandit, K. N.]] (1986). ''Ladakh, life & culture.'' Srinagar, Kashmir, India: Centre of Central Asian Studies, Kashmir University.
*[[K. N. Pandit|Pandit, K. N.]] (1986). ''Ladakh, life & culture.'' Srinagar, Kashmir, India: Centre of Central Asian Studies, Kashmir University.
*Knight, E. F. 1893. ''Where Three Empires Meet: A Narrative of Recent Travel in: Kashmir, Western Tibet, Gilgit, and the adjoining countries''. Longmans, Green, and Co., London. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company, Taipei. 1971.
*Knight, E. F. 1893. ''Where Three Empires Meet: A Narrative of Recent Travel in: Kashmir, Western Tibet, Gilgit, and the adjoining countries''. Longmans, Green, and Co., London. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company, Taipei. 1971.
* Knight, William, Henry. 1863. ''Diary of a Pedestrian in Cashmere and Thibet''. Richard Bentley, London. Reprint 1998: Asian Educational Services, New Delhi.
*Knight, William, Henry. 1863. ''Diary of a Pedestrian in Cashmere and Thibet''. Richard Bentley, London. Reprint 1998: Asian Educational Services, New Delhi.
* [[William Moorcroft (explorer)|Moorcroft, William]] and [[Trebeck, George]]. 1841. ''Travels in the Himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Panjab; in Ladakh and Kashmir, in Peshawar, Kabul, Kunduz, and Bokhara ... from 1819 to 1825'', Vol. II. Reprint: New Delhi, Sagar Publications, 1971.
*[[William Moorcroft (explorer)|Moorcroft, William]] and [[Trebeck, George]]. 1841. ''Travels in the Himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Panjab; in Ladakh and Kashmir, in Peshawar, Kabul, Kunduz, and Bokhara ... from 1819 to 1825'', Vol. II. Reprint: New Delhi, Sagar Publications, 1971.
* [[Norberg-Hodge, Helena]]. 2000. ''[[Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh]]''. Rider Books, London.
*[[Norberg-Hodge, Helena]]. 2000. ''[[Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh]]''. Rider Books, London.
* [[Peissel, Michel]]. 1984. ''The Ants' Gold: The Discovery of the Greek El Dorado in the Himalayas''. Harvill Press, London.
*[[Peissel, Michel]]. 1984. ''The Ants' Gold: The Discovery of the Greek El Dorado in the Himalayas''. Harvill Press, London.
* Rizvi, Janet. 1998. ''Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia''. Oxford University Press. 1st edition 1963. 2nd revised edition 1996. 3rd impression 2001. {{ISBN|0-19-564546-4}}.
*Rizvi, Janet. 1998. ''Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia''. Oxford University Press. 1st edition 1963. 2nd revised edition 1996. 3rd impression 2001. {{ISBN|0-19-564546-4}}.
* Sen, Sohini. 2015. ''Ladakh: A Photo Travelogue''. Niyogi Books. {{ISBN|9789385285028}}.
*Sen, Sohini. 2015. ''Ladakh: A Photo Travelogue''. Niyogi Books. {{ISBN|9789385285028}}.
* ''Trekking in Zanskar & Ladakh: Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri & Pangong Lake, Step By step Details of Every Trek: a Most Authentic & Colourful Trekkers' guide with maps 2001–2002''
*''Trekking in Zanskar & Ladakh: Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri & Pangong Lake, Step By step Details of Every Trek: a Most Authentic & Colourful Trekkers' guide with maps 2001–2002''
* Zeisler, Bettina. (2010). "East of the Moon and West of the Sun? Approaches to a Land with Many Names, North of Ancient India and South of Khotan." In: ''The Tibet Journal'', Special issue. Autumn 2009 vol XXXIV n. 3-Summer 2010 vol XXXV n. 2. "The Earth Ox Papers", edited by Roberto Vitali, pp.&nbsp;371–463.
*Zeisler, Bettina. (2010). "East of the Moon and West of the Sun? Approaches to a Land with Many Names, North of Ancient India and South of Khotan." In: ''The Tibet Journal'', Special issue. Autumn 2009 vol XXXIV n. 3-Summer 2010 vol XXXV n. 2. "The Earth Ox Papers", edited by Roberto Vitali, pp.&nbsp;371–463.
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Ladakh}}
 
{{Wikiquote}}
 
{{Wikivoyage|Ladakh}}
 
*{{Britannica|327440}}
*[http://ladakh.nic.in/ Government of Ladakh official website]
*[http://ladakh.nic.in/ Government of Ladakh]
*[http://jkladakhaffairs.nic.in/ Department of Ladakh Affairs]


{{Ladakh}}
{{Ladakh}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Ladakh| ]]
[[Category:Ladakh| ]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2019]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2019]]
[[Category:Union Territories of India]]
[[Category:Union territories of India]]
[[Category:North India|*]]
[[Category:North India|*]]
[[Category:History of the Republic of India]]
[[Category:History of the Republic of India]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 22 July 2023


Ladakh (/ləˈdɑːk/)[10] is a region administered by India as a union territory[1] and constitutes an eastern portion of the larger Kashmir region that has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947 and India and China since 1959.[2] Ladakh is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakoram Pass in the far north. It extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range to the north to the main Great Himalayas to the south.[11][12] The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, and has been under Chinese control since 1962.[13]

Ladakh
Region administered by India as a union territory[1]
Rangdum village grazing fields.jpg
Shyok river Ladakh.jpg
Sheep grazing near Rangdum village; Shyok River in northern Ladakh
A map of the disputed Kashmir region with the two Indian-administered areas shaded in tan[2]
A map of the disputed Kashmir region with the two Indian-administered areas shaded in tan[2]
Coordinates: 34°09′51″N 77°35′05″E / 34.16417°N 77.58472°E / 34.16417; 77.58472Coordinates: 34°09′51″N 77°35′05″E / 34.16417°N 77.58472°E / 34.16417; 77.58472
Administering stateIndia
Union territory31 October 2019[3]
CapitalsLeh,[4] Kargil[5]
Districts2
Government
 • BodyAdministration of Ladakh
 • Lieutenant GovernorB. D. Mishra
 • Member of ParliamentJamyang Tsering Namgyal (BJP)
 • High CourtHigh Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
Area
 • Total59,146 km2 (22,836 sq mi)
Highest elevation7,742 m (25,400 ft)
Lowest elevation2,550 m (8,370 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total274,289
 • Density4.6/km2 (12/sq mi)
DemonymLadakhi
Languages
 • OfficialHindi and English[8]
 • SpokenLadakhi, Urdu, Purgi, Brokskat and Balti
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
ISO 3166 codeIN-LA
Vehicle registrationLA[9]
Websiteladakh.nic.in

In the past, Ladakh gained importance from its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes,[14] but as Chinese authorities closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh in the 1960s, international trade dwindled. Since 1974, the Government of India has successfully encouraged tourism in Ladakh. As Ladakh is strategically important, the Indian military maintains a strong presence in the region.

The largest town in Ladakh is Leh, followed by Kargil, each of which headquarters a district.[15] The Leh district contains the Indus, Shyok and Nubra river valleys. The Kargil district contains the Suru, Dras and Zanskar river valleys. The main populated regions are the river valleys, but the mountain slopes also support pastoral Changpa nomads. The main religious groups in the region are Muslims (mainly Shia) (46%), Buddhists (mainly Tibetan Buddhists) (40%), and Hindus (12%) with the remaining 2% made of other religions.[16][17] Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India. Its culture and history are closely related to those of Tibet.[18]

Ladakh was established as a union territory of India on 31 October 2019, following the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Prior to that, it was part of the Jammu and Kashmir state. Ladakh is both the largest and the second least populous union territory of India.[19][citation needed]

NamesEdit

The classical name in Tibetan: ལ་དྭགས, Wylie: La dwags, THL: la dak means the "land of high passes". Ladak is its pronunciation in several Tibetan dialects. The English spelling Ladakh is derived from Persian: ladāx.[20][21]

The region was previously known as Maryul.

Medieval Islamic scholars called Ladakh the Great Tibet (derived from Turko-Arabic Ti-bat, meaning "highland"); Baltistan and other trans-Himalayan states in Kashmir's vicinity were referred to as "Little Tibets".[22][23][lower-alpha 2]

It has also been called Ma-Lo-Pho (by Hiuen Tsang) or Lal Bhumi. Names in the local language include Kanchapa (Land of snow) and Ripul (Country of mountains).[citation needed]

HistoryEdit

Ancient historyEdit

 
South Asia in 565 CE

Rock carvings found in many parts of Ladakh indicate that the area has been inhabited from Neolithic times.[25] Ladakh's earliest inhabitants consisted of nomads known as Kampa.[26] Later settlements were established by Mons from Kullu and Brokpas who originated from Gilgit.[27] Around the 1st century, Ladakh was a part of the Kushan Empire. Buddhism spread into western Ladakh from Kashmir in the 2nd century. The 7th-century Buddhist traveller Xuanzang describes the region in his accounts.[28] Xuanzang's term of Ladakh is Mo-lo-so, which has been reconstructed by academics as *Malasa, *Marāsa, or *Mrāsa, which is believed to have been the original name of the region.[29][30]

For much of the first millennium, western Tibet comprised Zhangzhung kingdom(s), which practised the Bon religion. Sandwiched between Kashmir and Zhangzhung, Ladakh is believed to have been alternatively under the control of one or other of these powers. Academics find strong influences of Zhangzhung language and culture in "upper Ladakh" (from the middle section of the Indus valley to the southeast).[31] The penultimate king of Zhangzhung is said to have been from Ladakh.[32]

From around 660 CE, the Tang dynasty and the Tibetan Empire started contesting the "four garrisons" of the Tarim Basin (present day Xinjiang), a struggle that lasted three centuries. Zhangzhung fell victim to Tibet's ambitions in c. 634 and disappeared. India's Karkota Empire and the Umayyad Caliphate too joined the contest for Xinjiang soon afterwards. Baltistan and Ladakh were at the centre of these struggles.[33] Academics infer from the slant of Ladakhi chronicles that Ladakh may have owed its primary allegiance to Tibet during this time, but that it was more political than cultural. Ladakh remained Buddhist and its culture was not yet Tibetan.[34]

Early medieval historyEdit

 
The empire of Kyide Nyimagon divided among his three sons, c. 930 CE. The border between Ladakh/Maryul and Guge-Purang is shown in a thin dotted line, north of Gartok

In the 9th century, Tibet's ruler Langdarma was assassinated and Tibet fragmented. Kyide Nyimagon, Langdarma's great-grandson, fled to West Tibet c. 900 CE, and founded a new West Tibetan kingdom at the heart of the old Zhangzhung, now called Ngari in the Tibetan language.

 
Royal drinking scene at Alchi Monastery, Ladakh, c. 1200 CE. The king wears a decorated Qabā', of Turco-Persian style. It is similar to another royal scene at nearby Mangyu Monastery.[35]

Nyimagon's eldest son, Lhachen Palgyigon, is believed to have conquered the regions to the north, including Ladakh and Rutog. After the death of Nyimagon, his kingdom was divided among his three sons, Palgyigon receiving Ladakh, Rutog, Thok Jalung and an area referred to as Demchok Karpo (a holy mountain near the present-day Demchok village). The second son received Guge–Purang (called "Ngari Korsum") and the third son received Zanskar and Spiti (to the southwest of Ladakh). This three-way division of Nyimagon's empire was recognised as historic and remembered in the chronicles of all the three regions as a founding narrative.

He gave to each of his sons a separate kingdom, viz., to the eldest Dpal-gyi-gon, Maryul of Mngah-ris, the inhabitants using black bows; ru-thogs [Rutog] of the east and the Gold-mine of Hgog [possibly Thok Jalung]; nearer this way Lde-mchog-dkar-po [Demchok Karpo]; ...

[citation needed]

The first West Tibetan dynasty of Maryul founded by Palgyigon lasted five centuries, being weakened towards its end by the conquests of the Mongol/Mughal noble Mirza Haidar Dughlat. Throughout this period the region was called "Maryul", possibly from the original proper name *Mrasa (Xuangzhang's, Mo-lo-so), but in the Tibetan language it was interpreted to mean "lowland" (the lowland of Ngari). Maryul remained staunchly Buddhist during this period, having participated in the second diffusion of Buddhism from India to Tibet via Kashmir and Zanskar.

Medieval historyEdit

 
Jama Masjid of Leh next to the Leh Palace

Between the 1380s and early 1510s, many Islamic missionaries propagated Islam and proselytised the Ladakhi people. Sayyid Ali Hamadani, Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh and Mir Shamsuddin Iraqi were three important Sufi missionaries who propagated Islam to the locals. Mir Sayyid Ali was the first one to make Muslim converts in Ladakh and is often described as the founder of Islam in Ladakh. Several mosques were built in Ladakh during this period, including in Mulbhe, Padum and Shey, the capital of Ladakh.[36][37] His principal disciple, Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh also propagated Islam to Ladakhis and the Balti people rapidly converted to Islam. Noorbakshia Islam is named after him and his followers are only found in Baltistan and Ladakh. During his youth, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin expelled the mystic Sheikh Zain Shahwalli for showing disrespect to him. The sheikh then went to Ladakh and proselytised many people to Islam. In 1505, Shamsuddin Iraqi, a noted Shia scholar, visited Kashmir and Baltistan. He helped in spreading Shia Islam in Kashmir and converted the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Baltistan to his school of thought.[37]

It is unclear what happened to Islam after this period and it seems to have received a setback. Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat who invaded and briefly conquered Ladakh in 1532, 1545 and 1548, does not record any presence of Islam in Leh during his invasion although Shia Islam and Noorbakshia Islam continued to flourish in other regions of Ladakh.[36][37]

King Bhagan reunited and strengthened Ladakh and founded the Namgyal dynasty (Namgyal means "victorious" in several Tibetan languages). The Namgyals repelled most Central Asian raiders and temporarily extended the kingdom as far as Nepal.[25] During the Balti invasion led by Raja Ali Sher Khan Anchan, many Buddhist temples and artefacts were damaged. Ali Sher Khan took the king and his soldiers as captives. Jamyang Namgyal was later restored to the throne by Ali Sher Khan and given the hand of a Muslim princess in marriage. Her name was Gyal Khatun or Argyal Khatoom. She was to be the first queen and her son was to become the next ruler. Historical accounts differ upon who her father was. Some identify Ali's ally and Raja of Khaplu Yabgo Shey Gilazi as her father, while others identify Ali himself as the father.[38][39][40][41][42][43] In the early 17th century efforts were made to restore the destroyed artefacts and gonpas by Sengge Namgyal, the son of Jamyang and Gyal. He expanded the kingdom into Zangskar and Spiti. Despite a defeat of Ladakh by the Mughals, who had already annexed Kashmir and Baltistan, Ladakh retained its independence.

 
The empire of kings Tsewang Namgyal and Jamyang Namgyal, about 1560–1600 CE
 
Cham dance during Dosmoche festival in Leh Palace

Islam begins to take root in the Leh area in the beginning of the 17th century after the Balti invasion and the marriage of Gyal to Jamyang. A large group of Muslim servants and musicians were sent along with Gyal to Ladakh and private mosques were built where they could pray. The Muslim musicians later settled in Leh. Several hundred Baltis migrated to the kingdom and according to oral tradition many Muslim traders were granted land to settle. Many other Muslims were invited over the following years for various purposes.[44]

In the late 17th century, Ladakh sided with Bhutan in its dispute with Tibet which, among other reasons, resulted in its invasion by the Tibetan Central Government. This event is known as the Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal war of 1679–1684.[45] Kashmiri historians assert that the king converted to Islam in return for the assistance by Mughal Empire after this, however, Ladakhi chronicles do not mention such a thing. The king agreed to pay tribute to the Mughals in return for defending the kingdom.[46][47] The Mughals, however, withdrew after being paid off by the 5th Dalai Lama.[48] With the help of reinforcements from Galdan Boshugtu Khan, Khan of the Zungar Empire, the Tibetans attacked again in 1684. The Tibetans were victorious and concluded a treaty with Ladakh then they retreated back to Lhasa in December 1684. The Treaty of Tingmosgang in 1684 settled the dispute between Tibet and Ladakh but severely restricted Ladakh's independence.

Princely state of Jammu and KashmirEdit

 
The disputed territory of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir: divided between Pakistan (green), India (blue) and China (yellow)

In 1834, the Sikh Zorawar Singh, a general of Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu, invaded and annexed Ladakh to Jammu under the suzerainty of the Sikh Empire. After the defeat of the Sikhs in the First Anglo-Sikh War, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was established as a separate princely state under British suzerainty. The Namgyal family was given the jagir of Stok, which it nominally retains to this day. European influence began in Ladakh in the 1850s and increased. Geologists, sportsmen, and tourists began exploring Ladakh. In 1885, Leh became the headquarters of a mission of the Moravian Church.

Ladakh was administered as a wazarat under Dogra rule, with a governor termed wazir-e-wazarat. It had three tehsils, based at Leh, Skardu and Kargil. The headquarters of the wazarat was at Leh for six months of the year and at Skardu for six months. When the legislative assembly, called Praja Sabha, was established in 1934, Ladakh was given two nominated seats in the assembly.

Ladakh was claimed as part of Tibet by Phuntsok Wangyal, a Tibetan Communist leader.[49]

Indian state of Jammu and KashmirEdit

At the time of the partition of India in 1947, the Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh chose to remain independent of India or Pakistan. Pakistani soldiers from Gilgit invaded in October and had reached Ladakh. To get defense assistance from India, Singh was told by Nehru to sign the Instrument of Accession to India, and military operations were initiated to counter the invasion. The wartime conversion of the pony trail from Sonamarg to Zoji La by army engineers permitted tanks to move up and successfully capture the pass. The advance continued. Dras, Kargil and Leh were liberated and Ladakh cleared of the infiltrators.[50]

In 1949, China closed the border between Nubra and Xinjiang, blocking old trade routes. In 1955 China began to build roads connecting Xinjiang and Tibet through the Aksai Chin area. The Indian effort to retain control of Aksai Chin led to the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which India lost. China also built the Karakoram highway jointly with Pakistan. India built the Srinagar-Leh Highway during this period, cutting the journey time between Srinagar and Leh from 16 days to two. The route, however, remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Construction of a 6.5 km (4.0 mi) tunnel across Zoji La pass is under consideration to make the route functional throughout the year.[25][51]

 
National Highway No 1

The Kargil War of 1999, codenamed "Operation Vijay" by the Indian Army, saw infiltration by Pakistani troops into parts of Western Ladakh, namely Kargil, Dras, Mushkoh, Batalik and Chorbatla, overlooking key locations on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Extensive operations were launched in high altitudes by the Indian Army with considerable artillery and air force support. Pakistani troops were evicted from the Indian side of the Line of Control which the Indian government ordered was to be respected and which was not crossed by Indian troops. The Indian government was criticised by the Indian public because India respected geographical co-ordinates more than India's opponents: Pakistan and China.[52][page needed]

The Ladakh region was divided into the Kargil and Leh districts in 1979. In 1989, there were violent riots between Buddhists and Muslims. Following demands for autonomy from the Kashmiri-dominated state government, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council was created in the 1990s. Leh and Kargil districts now each have their own locally elected Hill Councils with some control over local policy and development funds. In 1991, a Peace Pagoda was erected in Leh by Nipponzan Myohoji.

There was a heavy presence of Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police forces in Ladakh. These forces and People's Liberation Army forces from China have, since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, had frequent stand-offs along the Ladakh portion of the Line of Actual Control. Out of the 857-kilometre-long (533 mi) border in Ladakh, only 368 km (229 mi) is the International Border, and the remaining 489 km (304 mi) is the Line of Actual Control.[53][54] The stand-off involving the most troops was in September 2014 in the disputed Chumar region when 800 to 1,000 Indian troops and 1,500 Chinese troops came into close proximity to each other.[55]

Ladakh DivisionEdit

On 8 February 2019, Ladakh became a separate Revenue and Administrative Division within Jammu and Kashmir, having previously been part of the Kashmir Division. As a division, Ladakh was granted its own Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police.[56]

Leh was initially chosen to be the headquarters of the new division however, following protests, it was announced that Leh and Kargil will jointly serve as the divisional headquarters, each hosting an Additional Divisional Commissioner to assist the Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police who will spend half their time in each town.[57]

Union territory of LadakhEdit

 
Ladakh (L) shown in the wider Kashmir region

The people of Ladakh had been demanding Ladakh to be constituted as a separate territory since 1930s, because of perceived unfair treatment by Kashmir and Ladakh's cultural differences with predominantly Muslim Kashmir valley, while some people in Kargil opposed union territory status for Ladakh.[25][58] The first organized agitation was launched against Kashmir's "dominance" in the year 1964. In late 1980s, a much larger mass agitation was launched to press their demand for union territory status.[59]

In August 2019, a reorganisation act was passed by the Parliament of India which contained provisions to reconstitute Ladakh as a union territory, separate from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir on 31 October 2019.[3][60][61][62] Under the terms of the act, the union territory is administered by a Lieutenant Governor acting on behalf of the Central Government of India and does not have an elected legislative assembly or chief minister. Each district within the union territory continues to elect an autonomous district council as done previously.[63]

The demand for Ladakh as separate union territory was first raised by the parliamentarian Kushok Bakula Rinpoche around 1955, which was later carried forward by another parliamentarian Thupstan Chhewang.[64] The former Jammu and Kashmir state use to obtain large allocation of annual funds from the union government based on the fact that the large geographical area of the Ladakh (comprising 65% of total area), but Ladakh was allocated only 2% of the state budget based on its relative population.[64] Within the first year of the formation of Ladakh as separate union territory, its annual budget allocation has increased 4 times from 57 crore to 232 crore.[64]

GeographyEdit

 
Map of the central Ladakh region

Ladakh is the highest plateau in India with most of it being over 3,000 m (9,800 ft).[17] It extends from the Himalayan to the Kunlun[65] Ranges and includes the upper Indus River valley.

 
The confluence of the Indus (flowing left-to-right) and Zanskar (coming in from top) rivers.
 
The Ladakh region has high altitude
 
View of Leh Town Along with Stok Kangri

Historically, the region included the Baltistan (Baltiyul) valleys (now mostly in Pakistani administered part of Kashmir), the entire upper Indus Valley, the remote Zanskar, Lahaul and Spiti to the south, much of Ngari including the Rudok region and Guge in the east, Aksai Chin in the northeast, and the Nubra Valley to the north over Khardong La in the Ladakh Range. Contemporary Ladakh borders Tibet to the east, the Lahaul and Spiti regions to the south, the Vale of Kashmir, Jammu and Baltiyul regions to the west, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakoram Pass in the far north. The historic but imprecise divide between Ladakh and the Tibetan Plateau commences in the north in the intricate maze of ridges east of Rudok including Aling Kangri and Mavang Kangri, and continues southeastward toward northwestern Nepal. Before partition, Baltistan, now under Pakistani control, was a district in Ladakh. Skardu was the winter capital of Ladakh while Leh was the summer capital.

The mountain ranges in this region were formed over 45 million years by the folding of the Indian Plate into the more stationary Eurasian Plate. The drift continues, causing frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region.[lower-alpha 3][66] The peaks in the Ladakh Range are at a medium altitude close to the Zoji-la (5,000–5,500 m or 16,400–18,000 ft) and increase toward southeast, culminating in the twin summits of Nun-Kun (7,000 m or 23,000 ft).

The Suru and Zanskar valleys form a great trough enclosed by the Himalayas and the Zanskar Range. Rangdum is the highest inhabited region in the Suru valley, after which the valley rises to 4,400 m (14,400 ft) at Pensi-la, the gateway to Zanskar. Kargil, the only town in the Suru valley, is the second most important town in Ladakh. It was an important staging post on the routes of the trade caravans before 1947, being more or less equidistant, at about 230 kilometres from Srinagar, Leh, Skardu and Padum. The Zangskar valley lies in the troughs of the Stod and the Lungnak rivers. The region experiences heavy snowfall; the Pensi-la is open only between June and mid-October. Dras and the Mushkoh Valley form the western extremity of Ladakh.

The Indus River is the backbone of Ladakh. Most major historical and current towns – Shey, Leh, Basgo and Tingmosgang (but not Kargil), are close to the Indus River. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the stretch of the Indus flowing through Ladakh became the only part of this river, which is greatly venerated in the Hindu religion and culture, that still flows through India.

The Siachen Glacier is in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalaya Mountains along the disputed India-Pakistan border. The Karakoram Range forms a great watershed that separates China from the Indian subcontinent and is sometimes called the "Third Pole." The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge immediately to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east. At 76 km (47 mi) long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It falls from an altitude of 5,753 m (18,875 ft) above sea level at its source at Indira Col on the China border down to 3,620 m (11,880 ft) at its snout. Saser Kangri is the highest peak in the Saser Muztagh, the easternmost subrange of the Karakoram Range in India, Saser Kangri I having an altitude of 7,672 m (25,171 ft).

The Ladakh Range has no major peaks; its average height is a little less than 6,000 m (20,000 ft), and few of its passes are less than 5,000 m (16,000 ft). The Pangong range runs parallel to the Ladakh Range for about 100 km (62 mi) northwest from Chushul along the southern shore of the Pangong Lake. Its highest point is about 6,700 m (22,000 ft) and the northern slopes are heavily glaciated. The region comprising the valley of the Shayok and Nubra rivers is known as Nubra. The Karakoram Range in Ladakh is not as mighty as in Baltistan. The massifs to the north and east of the Nubra–Siachen line include the Apsarasas Group (highest point at 7,245 m or 23,770 ft) the Rimo Muztagh (highest point at 7,385 m or 24,229 ft) and the Teram Kangri Group (highest point at 7,464 m or 24,488 ft) together with Mamostong Kangri (7,526 m or 24,692 ft) and Singhi Kangri (7,202 m or 23,629 ft). North of the Karakoram lies the Kunlun. Thus, between Leh and eastern Central Asia there is a triple barrier – the Ladakh Range, Karakoram Range, and Kunlun. Nevertheless, a major trade route was established between Leh and Yarkand.

 
Monthly average temperature in Leh

Ladakh is a high altitude desert as the Himalayas create a rain shadow, generally denying entry to monsoon clouds. The main source of water is the winter snowfall on the mountains. Recent flooding in the region (e.g., the 2010 floods) has been attributed to abnormal rain patterns and retreating glaciers, both of which have been found to be linked to global climate change.[67] The Leh Nutrition Project, headed by Chewang Norphel, also known as the "Glacier Man", creates artificial glaciers as one solution for retreating glaciers.[68][69]

The regions on the north flank of the Himalayas – Dras, the Suru valley and Zangskar – experience heavy snowfall and remain cut off from the rest of the region for several months in the year, as the whole region remains cut off by road from the rest of the country. Summers are short, though they are long enough to grow crops. The summer weather is dry and pleasant. Temperature ranges are from 3 to 35 °C (37 to 95 °F) in summer and minimums range from −20 to −35 °C (−4 to −31 °F) in winter.[70]

Zanskar is the main river of the region along with its tributaries. The Zanskar gets frozen during winter and the famous Chadar trek takes place on this magnificent frozen river.

Flora and faunaEdit

 
The black-necked crane comes to India every year for breeding. Photograph taken at Tso Kar, Ladakh.

Vegetation is extremely sparse in Ladakh except along streambeds and wetlands, on high slopes, and irrigated places. About 1250 plant species, including crops, were reported from Ladakh.[71] The plant Ladakiella klimesii, growing up to 6,150 metres (20,180 ft) above sea level, was first described here and named after this region.[72] The first European to study the wildlife of this region was William Moorcroft in 1820, followed by Ferdinand Stoliczka, an Austrian-Czech palaeontologist, who carried out a massive expedition there in the 1870s. There are many lakes in Ladakh such as Kyago Tso.

The bharal or blue sheep is the most abundant mountain ungulate in the Ladakh region, although it is not found in some parts of Zangskar and Sham areas.[73] The Asiatic ibex is a mountain goat that is distributed in the western part of Ladakh. It is the second most abundant mountain ungulate in the region with a population of about 6000 individuals. It is adapted to rugged areas where it easily climbs when threatened.[74] The Ladakhi Urial is another unique mountain sheep that inhabits the mountains of Ladakh. The population is declining, however, and there are not more than 3000 individuals left in Ladakh.[75] The urial is endemic to Ladakh, where it is distributed only along two major river valleys: the Indus and Shayok. The animal is often persecuted by farmers whose crops are allegedly damaged by it. Its population declined precipitously in the last century due to indiscriminate shooting by hunters along the Leh-Srinagar highway. The Tibetan argali or Nyan is the largest wild sheep in the world, standing 1.1 to 1.2 metres (3.5 to 4 ft) at the shoulder with the horn measuring 900–1,000 mm (35–39 in). It is distributed on the Tibetan plateau and its marginal mountains encompassing a total area of 2.5 million km2 (0.97 million sq mi). There is only a small population of about 400 animals in Ladakh. The animal prefers open and rolling terrain as it runs, unlike wild goats that climb into steep cliffs, to escape from predators.[76] The endangered Tibetan antelope, known as chiru in Indian English, or Ladakhi tsos, has traditionally been hunted for its wool (shahtoosh) which is a natural fibre of the finest quality and thus valued for its light weight and warmth and as a status symbol. The wool of chiru must be pulled out by hand, a process done after the animal is killed. The fibre is smuggled into Kashmir and woven into exquisite shawls by Kashmiri workers. Ladakh is also home to the Tibetan gazelle, which inhabits the vast rangelands in eastern Ladakh bordering Tibet.[77]

 
Ibexes in Ladakh
 
Yaks in Ladakh

The kiang, or Tibetan wild ass, is common in the grasslands of Changthang, numbering about 2,500 individuals. These animals are in conflict with the nomadic people of Changthang who hold the Kiang responsible for pasture degradation.[78] There are about 200 snow leopards in Ladakh of an estimated 7,000 worldwide. The Hemis High Altitude National Park in central Ladakh is an especially good habitat for this predator as it has abundant prey populations. The Eurasian lynx, is another rare cat that preys on smaller herbivores in Ladakh. It is mostly found in Nubra, Changthang and Zangskar.[79] The Pallas's cat, which looks somewhat like a house cat, is very rare in Ladakh and not much is known about the species. The Tibetan wolf, which sometimes preys on the livestock of the Ladakhis, is the most persecuted amongst the predators.[80] There are also a few brown bears in the Suru Valley and the area around Dras. The Tibetan sand fox has been discovered in this region.[81] Among smaller animals, marmots, hares, and several types of pika and vole are common.[82]

FloraEdit

Scant precipitation makes Ladakh a high-altitude desert with extremely scarce vegetation over most of its area. Natural vegetation mainly occurs along water courses and on high altitude areas that receive more snow and cooler summer temperatures. Human settlements, however, are richly vegetated due to irrigation.[83] Natural vegetation commonly seen along watercourses includes seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.), wild roses of pink or yellow varieties, tamarisk (Myricaria spp.), caraway, stinging nettles, mint, Physochlaina praealta, and various grasses.[84]

AdministrationEdit

Under the terms of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, Ladakh is administered as a union territory without a legislative assembly or elected government. The head of government is a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India who is assisted by civil servants of the Indian Administrative Service.[86]

DistrictsEdit

Ladakh is divided into two districts:

Name of district Headquarters Area (km2) Population
2011 Census
Kargil district Kargil 14,036 140,802
Leh district Leh 45,110 133,487
Total 2 59,146 274,289

Autonomous District CouncilsEdit

Each district of Ladakh is administered by an autonomous district council, they are:

The two autonomous district councils work with village panchayats to take decisions on economic development, healthcare, education, land use, taxation, and local governance which are further reviewed at the block headquarters in the presence of the chief executive councillor and executive councillors.[87] The government of Jammu and Kashmir looks after law and order, the judicial system, communications and the higher education in the region.

The two autonomous district councils continue to exist following the formation of the union territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019.[63]

Law enforcement and justiceEdit

Ladakh is under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.[88] The union territory of Ladakh has its own police force headed by a director general of police.[89]

Ladakh in the Parliament of IndiaEdit

Ladakh sends one member (MP) to the lower house of the Indian parliament the Lok Sabha. The MP for the Ladakh constituency in the current Lok Sabha is Jamyang Tsering Namgyal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[90][91]

EconomyEdit

 
Street market in Leh
 
Preparing apricots. Alchi Monastery.

The land is irrigated by a system of channels which funnel water from the ice and snow of the mountains. The principal crops are barley and wheat. Rice was previously a luxury in the Ladakhi diet, but, subsidised by the government, has now become a cheap staple.[17]

Naked barley (Ladakhi: nas, Urdu: grim) was traditionally a staple crop all over Ladakh. Growing times vary considerably with altitude. The extreme limit of cultivation is at Korzok, on the Tso-moriri lake, at 4,600 m (15,100 ft), which has what are widely considered to be the highest fields in the world.[17]

A minority of Ladakhi people were also employed as merchants and caravan traders, facilitating trade in textiles, carpets, dyestuffs and narcotics between Punjab and Xinjiang. However, since the Chinese Government closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh, this international trade has completely dried up.[25][92]

Indus river flowing in the Ladakh region is endowed with vast hydropower potential. Solar and wind power potentials are also substantial. Though the region is a remote hilly area without all-weather roads, the area is also rich in limestone deposits to manufacture cement from the locally available cheap electricity for various construction needs.[93]

Since 1974, the Indian Government has encouraged a shift in trekking and other tourist activities from the troubled Kashmir region to the relatively unaffected areas of Ladakh. Although tourism employs only 4% of Ladakh's working population, it now accounts for 50% of the region's GNP.[25]

This era is recorded in Arthur Neves The Tourist's Guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Skardo, first published in 1911.[92]

TransportationEdit

 
A vehicle on the Himalaya Highway 3

There are about 1,800 km (1,100 mi) of roads in Ladakh of which 800 km (500 mi) are surfaced.[94] The majority of roads in Ladakh are looked after by the Border Roads Organisation. There are two main roads that connect Ladakh with the rest of the country, NH1 connecting Srinagar to Kargil and Leh, and NH3 connecting Manali to Leh. A third road to Ladakh is the Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road, which is under construction.[95]

There is an airport in Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, from which there are daily flights to Delhi and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu. There are two airstrips at Daulat Beg Oldie and Fukche for military transport.[96] The airport at Kargil, Kargil Airport, was intended for civilian flights but is currently used by the Indian Army. The airport is a political issue for the locals who argue that the airport should serve its original purpose, i.e., should open up for civilian flights. Since past few years the Indian Air Force has been operating AN-32 air courier service to transport the locals during the winter seasons to Jammu, Srinagar and Chandigarh.[97][98] A private aeroplane company Air Mantra landed a 17-seater aircraft at the airport, in presence of dignitaries like the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking the first ever landing by a civilian airline company at Kargil Airport.[99][100]

DemographicsEdit

Population of Leh and Kargil districts
Year[lower-alpha 4] Leh District Kargil District
Population Percentage change Females per 1000 males Population Percentage change Females per 1000 males
1951 40,484 1011 41,856 970
1961 43,587 0.74 1010 45,064 0.74 935
1971 51,891 1.76 1002 53,400 1.71 949
1981 68,380 2.80 886 65,992 2.14 853
2001 117,637 2.75 805 115,287 2.83 901
2011 133,487 690 140,802 810

The sex ratio for Leh district declined from 1011 females per 1000 males in 1951 to 805 in 2001, while for Kargil district it declined from 970 to 901.[101] The urban sex ratio in both the districts is about 640. The adult sex ratio reflects large numbers of mostly male seasonal and migrant labourers and merchants. About 84% of Ladakh's population lives in villages.[102] The average annual population growth rate from 1981 to 2001 was 2.75% in Leh District and 2.83% in Kargil district.[101]

ReligionEdit

Religions in Ladakh (2011)[103]

  Islam (46.41%)
  Buddhism (39.65%)
  Hinduism (12.11%)
  Sikhism (0.83%)
  Christianity (0.46%)
  Jainism (0.05%)
  Other (0.02%)
  Religion not stated (0.47%)

The Dras and Dha-Hanu regions are habitated by Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard and Shinu tribes and Shina people respectively, who are predominately followers of Islam while small minorities follow Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism.[104] The region's population is split roughly in half between the districts of Leh and Kargil. 76.87% population of Kargil is Muslim (mostly Shia),[105][103] with a total population of 140,802, while that of Leh is 66.40% Buddhist, with a total population of 133,487, as per the 2011 census.[103][106][107] Majority Ladakhis, Changpa and Brokpa follow Buddhism.

An increasing number of Muslim men and Ladakhi Buddhist women are marrying each other following a decline in the population of Buddhist men in Ladakh, leaving more Buddhist women without a spouse.[108][109]

LanguageEdit

Languages of Ladakh (2011 census)[110]

  Ladakhi (37.78%)
  Purkhi (33.61%)
  Hindi (8.94%)
  Shina (5.06%)
  Balti (3.58%)
  Tibetan (2.33%)
  Punjabi (1.01%)
  Others (7.69%)

The predominant mother-tongue in Leh district is Ladakhi (also called Bauti), a Tibetic language.[110] Purkhi, sometimes considered a dialect of Balti, is the predominant mother-tongue of Kargil district.[110][111] Educated Ladakhis usually know Hindi, Urdu and often English. Within Ladakh, there is a range of dialects, so that the language of the Chang-pa people may differ markedly from that of the Purig-pa in Kargil, or the Zangskaris, but they are all mutually comprehensible. Most Ladakhi people (especially the younger generations) speak fluently in English and in Hindi too, due to the languages education at school.[112] Administrative work and education are carried out in English.[113]

CultureEdit

Ladakhi culture is similar to Tibetan culture.[114]

CuisineEdit

Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngampe (roasted barley flour). Edible without cooking, tsampa makes useful trekking food. Strictly Ladakhi dishes include skyu and chutagi, both heavy and rich soup pasta dishes, skyu being made with root vegetables and meat, and chutagi with leafy greens and vegetables.[115] As Ladakh moves toward a cash-based economy, foods from the plains of India are becoming more common.[116] As in other parts of Central Asia, tea in Ladakh is traditionally made with strong green tea, butter, and salt. It is mixed in a large churn and known as gurgur cha, after the sound it makes when mixed. Sweet tea (cha ngarmo) is common now, made in the Indian style with milk and sugar. Most of the surplus barley that is produced is fermented into chang, an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.[117]

Music and danceEdit

 
Dancer in masked dance festival
 
Jabro Dance

The music of Ladakhi Buddhist monastic festivals, like Tibetan music, often involves religious chanting in Tibetan as an integral part of the religion. These chants are complex, often recitations of sacred texts or in celebration of various festivals. Yang chanting, performed without metrical timing, is accompanied by resonant drums and low, sustained syllables. Religious mask dances are an important part of Ladakh's cultural life. Hemis monastery, a leading centre of the Drukpa tradition of Buddhism, holds an annual masked dance festival, as do all major Ladakhi monasteries. The dances typically narrate a story of the fight between good and evil, ending with the eventual victory of the former.[118] Weaving is an important part of traditional life in eastern Ladakh. Both women and men weave, on different looms.[119]

SportEdit

 
Sul-ma, woman's woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century

The most popular sport in Ladakh is ice hockey, which is played only on natural ice generally mid-December through mid-February.[120] Cricket is also very popular.[citation needed]

Archery is a traditional sport in Ladakh, and many villages hold archery festivals, which are as much about traditional dancing, drinking and gambling, as they are about the sport. The sport is conducted with strict etiquette, to the accompaniment of the music of surna and daman (shehnai and drum). Polo, the other traditional sport of Ladakh, is indigenous to Baltistan and Gilgit, and was probably introduced into Ladakh in the mid-17th century by King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess.[121]

Polo, popular among the Baltis, is an annual affair in Drass region of Kargil district.[122][123][124][125]

The Ladakh Marathon is a high-altitude marathon held in Leh every year since 2012. Held at a height of 11,500 to 17,618 feet (3,505 to 5,370 m), it is one of the world's highest marathons.[126]

 
First ever Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh

Social status of womenEdit

 
Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat

A feature of Ladakhi society that distinguishes it from the rest of the state is the high status and relative emancipation enjoyed by women compared to other rural parts of India. Fraternal polyandry and inheritance by primogeniture were common in Ladakh until the early 1940s when these were made illegal by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the practice remained in existence into the 1990s especially among the elderly and the more isolated rural populations.[127] Another custom is known as khang-bu, or 'little house', in which the elders of a family, as soon as the eldest son has sufficiently matured, retire from participation in affairs, yielding the headship of the family to him and taking only enough of the property for their own sustenance.[17]

 
Ladakhi Perak Headdress courtesy the Wovenosuls collection

Traditional medicineEdit

Tibetan medicine has been the traditional health system of Ladakh for over a thousand years. This school of traditional healing contains elements of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, combined with the philosophy and cosmology of Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries, the only medical system accessible to the people have been the amchi, traditional doctors following the Tibetan medical tradition. Amchi medicine remains a component of public health, especially in remote areas.[128]

Programmes by the government, local and international organisations are working to develop and rejuvenate this traditional system of healing.[128][129] Efforts are underway to preserve the intellectual property rights of amchi medicine for the people of Ladakh. The government has also been trying to promote the sea buckthorn in the form of juice and jam, as some claim it possess medicinal properties.

The National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa in Leh is an institute for research into traditional medicine and a hospital providing traditional treatments.[130]

EducationEdit

According to the 2001 census, the overall literacy rate in Leh District is 62% (72% for males and 50% for females), and in Kargil District 58% (74% for males and 41% for females).[131] Traditionally there was little or nothing by way of formal education except in the monasteries. Usually, one son from every family was obliged to master the Tibetan script in order to read the holy books.[17]

The Moravian Mission opened a school in Leh in October 1889, and the Wazir-i Wazarat (ex officio Joint Commissioner with a British officer) of Baltistan and Ladakh ordered that every family with more than one child should send one of them to school. This order met with great resistance from the local people who feared that the children would be forced to convert to Christianity. The school taught Tibetan, Urdu, English, Geography, Sciences, Nature study, Arithmetic, Geometry and Bible study.[132] It is still in existence today. The first local school to provide western education was opened by a local Society called "Lamdon Social Welfare Society" in 1973. Later, with support from Dalai Lama and some international organisations, the school, now known as Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, has grown to accommodate approximately two thousand pupils in several branches. It prides itself on preserving Ladakhi tradition and culture.[133]

Schools are well distributed throughout Ladakh but 75% of them provide only primary education. 65% of children attend school, but absenteeism of both students and teachers remains high. In both districts the failure rate at school-leaving level (class X) had for many years been around 85%–95%, while of those managing to scrape through, barely half succeeded in qualifying for college entrance (class XII). Before 1993, students were taught in Urdu until they were 14, after which the medium of instruction shifted to English.

As of January 2022, there were 904 Government run schools in Ladakh and 113 publicly run private schools in Ladakh [134]

In 1994 the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) launched Operation New Hope (ONH), a campaign to provide "culturally appropriate and locally relevant education" and make government schools more functional and effective.[135] Central Institute of Buddhist Studies a Deemed University in Leh is the oldest institution in this reason which mainly focuses on Buddhist philosophy but also offer degrees in different fields.[136]

The University of Ladakh with its two campuses (One each in Kargil & Leh) and its constituent colleges enables students to pursue higher education without having to leave Ladakh.[137] A central University has also been approved to be set up in Ladakh by the Union Cabinet.[138] The Indian Astronomical Observatory is located in Hanle and is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.[139]

In December 2019, the union minister of state for home affairs Mr G Kishan Reddy, in a written response has stated in Parliament that the Government of India has approved to establish a Medical College and National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa in the district of Leh.[140]

In August 2021, the Parliament of India amended the Central Universities Act to establish a central university in Ladakh named "Sindhu Central University".[141][142]

MediaEdit

The government radio broadcaster All India Radio (AIR)[143] and government television station Doordarshan[144] have stations in Leh that broadcast local content for a few hours a day. Beyond that, Ladakhis produce feature films that are screened in auditoriums and community halls. They are often made on fairly modest budgets.[145] On 14 December 2021, the first FM radio station in Ladakh was established in Leh.[146]

There are a handful of private news outlets.

  • Reach Ladakh Bulletin,[147] a biweekly newspaper in English, is the only print media published by and for Ladakhis.
  • Rangyul or Kargil Number is a newspaper published from Kashmir covering Ladakh in English and Urdu.
  • Ladags Melong, an initiative of SECMOL, was published from 1992 to 2005 in English and Ladakhi.
  • Sintic Magazine, a lifestyle and tourist magazine of Ladakh, was started in 2018 in English.

Some publications that cover Jammu and Kashmir as a whole provide some coverage of Ladakh.

GalleryEdit

See alsoEdit

NotesEdit

  1. Ladakh is a disputed territory between India, Pakistan and China. Ladakh has 59,146 km2 (22,836 sq mi) of area controlled by India and 72,971 km2 (28,174 sq mi) of area controlled by Pakistan under Gilgit-Baltistan, which is claimed by India as part of Ladakh. Additionally, it has 5,180 km2 (2,000 sq mi) of area controlled by China under Trans-Karakoram Tract and 37,555 km2 (14,500 sq mi) of area controlled by China under Aksai Chin, both of which are claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
  2. The extension of the term "Tibet" to the modern day Tibet is due to the Europeans in India in the 18th century.[24]
  3. All of Indian Ladakh is placed in high risk Zone VIII, while areas from Kargil and Zanskar southwestward are in lower risk zones on the earthquake hazard scale.
  4. Census was not carried out in Jammu and Kashmir in 1991 due to militancy

ReferencesEdit

CitationsEdit

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Ladakh", Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, 1 March 2021, archived from the original on 7 April 2022, retrieved 2 April 2022, Ladakh, large area of the northern and eastern Kashmir region, northwestern Indian subcontinent. Administratively, Ladakh is divided between Pakistan (northwest), as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, and India (southeast), as part of Ladakh union territory (until October 31, 2019, part of Jammu and Kashmir state); in addition, China administers portions of northeastern Ladakh.
  2. 2.0 2.1 The application of the term "administered" to the various regions of Kashmir and a mention of the Kashmir dispute is supported by the tertiary sources (a) through (e), reflecting due weight in the coverage. Although "controlled" and "held" are also applied neutrally to the names of the disputants or to the regions administered by them, as evidenced in sources (h) through (i) below, "held" is also considered politicized usage, as is the term "occupied," (see (j) below).
    (a) Kashmir, region Indian subcontinent, Encyclopaedia Britannica, retrieved 15 August 2019 (subscription required) Quote: "Kashmir, region of the northwestern Indian subcontinent ... has been the subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The northern and western portions are administered by Pakistan and comprise three areas: Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, and Baltistan, the last two being part of a territory called the Northern Areas. Administered by India are the southern and southeastern portions, which constitute the state of Jammu and Kashmir but are slated to be split into two union territories.";
    (b) Pletcher, Kenneth, Aksai Chin, Plateau Region, Asia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, retrieved 16 August 2019 (subscription required) Quote: "Aksai Chin, Chinese (Pinyin) Aksayqin, portion of the Kashmir region, at the northernmost extent of the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia. It constitutes nearly all the territory of the Chinese-administered sector of Kashmir that is claimed by India to be part of the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state.";
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SourcesEdit

Further readingEdit

  • Allan, Nigel J. R. 1995 Karakorum Himalaya: Sourcebook for a Protected Area. IUCN. ISBN 969-8141-13-8
  • Cunningham, Alexander. 1854. Ladak: Physical, Statistical, and Historical; with notices of the surrounding countries. Reprint: Sagar Publications, New Delhi. 1977.
  • Desideri, Ippolito (1932). An Account of Tibet: The Travels of Ippolito Desideri 1712–1727. Ippolito Desideri. Edited by Filippo De Filippi. Introduction by C. Wessels. Reproduced by Rupa & Co, New Delhi. 2005
  • Drew, Federic. 1877. The Northern Barrier of India: a popular account of the Jammoo and Kashmir Territories with Illustrations. 1st edition: Edward Stanford, London. Reprint: Light & Life Publishers, Jammu. 1971.
  • Francke, A. H. (1914), 1920, 1926. Antiquities of Indian Tibet. Vol. 1: Personal Narrative; Vol. 2: The Chronicles of Ladak and Minor Chronicles, texts and translations, with Notes and Maps. Reprint: 1972. S. Chand & Co., New Delhi. (Google Books Archived 5 April 2023 at the Wayback Machine)
  • Gielen, U. P. 1998. "Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures". In L. L. Adler (Ed.), International handbook on gender roles (pp. 413–437). Westport, CT: Greenwood.
  • Gillespie, A. (2007). Time, Self and the Other: The striving tourist in Ladakh, north India Archived 28 October 2022 at the Wayback Machine. In Livia Simao and Jaan Valsiner (eds) Otherness in question: Development of the self. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
  • Gillespie, A. (2007). In the other we trust: Buying souvenirs in Ladakh, north India Archived 23 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine. In Ivana Markova and Alex Gillespie (Eds.), Trust and distrust: Sociocultural perspectives. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
  • The Road to Lamaland by Martin Louis Alan Gompertz
  • Magic Ladakh by Martin Louis Alan Gompertz
  • Gordon, T. E. 1876. The Roof of the World: Being the Narrative of a Journey over the high plateau of Tibet to the Russian Frontier and the Oxus sources on Pamir. Edinburgh. Edmonston and Douglas. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company. Tapei. 1971.
  • Ham, Peter Van. 2015. Indian Tibet Tibetan India: The Cultural Legacy of the Western Himalayas. Niyogi Books. ISBN 9789383098934.
  • Halkias, Georgios (2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684", in Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques, ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp. 59–79.Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684 Archived 5 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  • Halkias, Georgios (2010). The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchange in Ladakh and Baltistan. In Islam-Tibet: Interactions along the Musk Routes, eds. Anna Akasoy et al. Ashgate Publications, 231–252. The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchanges in Baltistan and Ladakh Archived 5 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  • Harvey, Andrew. 1983. A Journey in Ladakh. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.
  • Pandit, K. N. (1986). Ladakh, life & culture. Srinagar, Kashmir, India: Centre of Central Asian Studies, Kashmir University.
  • Knight, E. F. 1893. Where Three Empires Meet: A Narrative of Recent Travel in: Kashmir, Western Tibet, Gilgit, and the adjoining countries. Longmans, Green, and Co., London. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company, Taipei. 1971.
  • Knight, William, Henry. 1863. Diary of a Pedestrian in Cashmere and Thibet. Richard Bentley, London. Reprint 1998: Asian Educational Services, New Delhi.
  • Moorcroft, William and Trebeck, George. 1841. Travels in the Himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Panjab; in Ladakh and Kashmir, in Peshawar, Kabul, Kunduz, and Bokhara ... from 1819 to 1825, Vol. II. Reprint: New Delhi, Sagar Publications, 1971.
  • Norberg-Hodge, Helena. 2000. Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh. Rider Books, London.
  • Peissel, Michel. 1984. The Ants' Gold: The Discovery of the Greek El Dorado in the Himalayas. Harvill Press, London.
  • Rizvi, Janet. 1998. Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia. Oxford University Press. 1st edition 1963. 2nd revised edition 1996. 3rd impression 2001. ISBN 0-19-564546-4.
  • Sen, Sohini. 2015. Ladakh: A Photo Travelogue. Niyogi Books. ISBN 9789385285028.
  • Trekking in Zanskar & Ladakh: Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri & Pangong Lake, Step By step Details of Every Trek: a Most Authentic & Colourful Trekkers' guide with maps 2001–2002
  • Zeisler, Bettina. (2010). "East of the Moon and West of the Sun? Approaches to a Land with Many Names, North of Ancient India and South of Khotan." In: The Tibet Journal, Special issue. Autumn 2009 vol XXXIV n. 3-Summer 2010 vol XXXV n. 2. "The Earth Ox Papers", edited by Roberto Vitali, pp. 371–463.

External linksEdit