Ladakh, located in the north of India is characterized by barren lands and snow-clad mountains. The present Ladakh consists of Leh and Kargil of India whereas Skarda and Gilgit, once the parts of pre-independence Wazarat of Ladakh, are now parts of Pakistan.
Ladakh stands on the old Central Asian trade route and the halting place, both for the trading caravans and armies. Traders from Baltistan, Kashmir, Central Asian countries, Tibet, China and Punjab and the Hajis proceeded to Mecca for Haj through Ladakh. The region has its unique historical, cultural, political and strategic importance, right from the past to present day.
The Ladakhis have their own traditional lifestyle, customs, ethical and aesthetic values which constitute the rich fabric of India. This book highlights the different dynasties who ruled Ladakh, which primarily include the Lachhen, the Namgyal, the Dogras, Wazir Zorawar Singh, and the invasion on Ladakh by Tibet. All the text offers good comparative studies of the past and present Ladakh in the wake of paucity of authentic information on Ladakh.
The book will be very useful to the students, teachers, researchers and also to the spiritual world.
Zain-ul-Aabedin Aabedi, M.A. and M.Ed. from Kashmir University, retired as Principal, Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh. During his service he participated in many seminars and workshops and presented papers on history, religion, culture and social life of North India. He also served as Principal of the prestigious Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya for a period of five years. He has written over a hundred articles for All India Radio and Doordarshan, Leh. Several of his articles have been published in different magazines, books and national dailies. His poetry in Urdu and Ladakhi on various social, cultural, educational and religious topics is articulate, interesting and impressive. He has written one book—Emergence of Islam in Ladakh (2009, Atlantic Publishers); and translated one book—History of Tibet and Great Tibet, authored by Hashmatullah. One Urdu poetry book written by him is under publication. He is also a member of IALS (International Association for Ladakh Studies); and IARF (International Association for Religious Freedom).