A Cultural History of Ladakh, by Nawang Tsering Shakspo

A cultural History of Ladakh is a comprehensive account of the history and culture of this remote Himalayan region, once known as Western Tibet, from the earliest times to the present. The author discusses the arrival of Buddhism to the region, the growth of the Ladakhi Kingdom, its relations with neighboring Buddhist states and its eventual incorporation into Jammu and Kashmir State. Throughout the book Nawang Tsering Shakspo draws on local histories and biographies to illustrate the larger historical trends. The second half of the book is devoted to Ladakh's rich cultural heritage: its songs, dances and folk customs. It concludes with a discussion of the future of Ladakh, which is undergoing a tremendous transformation. This is a unique book written by one of Ladakh's foremost scholars.