Perched
at a breath-taking altitude of 11,500 ft and above
in the lap of the Himalaya, Ladakh offers irresistible
scenic beauty of the beholder. The exposure of its
traditions and unique culture to modernisation, though
conducive to its progress, calls for utmost caution
and care. The impact of modernization on Ladakh would
serve as an eye-opener to the readers particularly
thos who have not lately visited the region.
This book pulsates with a vibrant and absorbing theme
about Ladakh?s unique life and rich culture. Certain
topics of the book have been treated with a fresh
look and deeper understanding while maintaining the
objectivity. The book covers varied aspects of this
wonderland, notably its geographical set-up, early
and later histories, religion, cultural heritage,
people and their economy, social life, customs &
rites, political developments which attended and followed
it in the wake of partition of the country, and impact
of modernization on the region. The main religions
of Ladakh namely Buddhism, Islam and Christianity
with their demographic profiles have been discussed
in the book. The chapter titled ?Cultural Heritage?
reflects the unfathomable depth of Ladakh?s cultural
wealth like the monasteries around which the cultural
religious life of the people revolves, monastic paintings,
woodworks, masks, sculpture, architecture, dance,
music etc. The chapter on ?Regional Autonomy? gives
a brief account of the Autonomous Hill Council set-up
at Leh in the wake of struggle of the Ladakhis for
a measure of regional autonomy. The photographs on
various facets of Ladakh?s life and culture make an
impressive visual impact on the book.
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