The Cultural Heritage of Ladakh : Zangskar and the Cave Temples of Ladakh

Warminster: Aris & Phillips, 1980. Ladakh existed as an independent kingdom until 1834 when it became an integral part of India. It has, however, remained one of the few regions in which Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional Tibetan way of life continue to flourish. Professor Snellgrove and Tadeusz Skorupski were the first western scholars to visit Ladakh in 1974, shortly after a long ban on access was lifted, staying there through the hard winter months when the passes are blocked and when the religious life of Ladakh is especially active. This important study focuses on the monasteries of Zangskar and the cave temples of Ladakh. The Zangskar monasteries include Sumda, which is a contemporary foundation to Alchi; Sani, with its Kanika Choten; Karsha and Dzongkhul. Many of the monasteries of Central Ladakh were built upon the sites of caves where famous yogins and lamas had meditated, but the best preserved and most interesting murals are near Saspol. All these important sites are described and illustrated by photographs and maps. Includes a translation of the biography of Rin-chen bZangpo, the Great Translator. 176 pp., 80 photographs, 6 colour plates, maps, diagrams. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. 30 x 21 cm.