Zanskar
Zanskar is a geographical region located in the Kargil district of India, south of Ladakh. The adminstartive headquarters is located at Padum.
Etymology
Geography
Zanskar is generally thought to be located on one of the highest plateau in the world, covering a region of 7000 km² at an elevation between 3500 and 7000 meters. The Zanskar river, with its tributaries from the Khurana, Doda and Tsarap rivers provide the main source of water for the local inhabitants. However, the rivers and streams are frozen much of the year, contributing to its harsh climate.
The Zanskar range was believed to have centered in Zanskar, with its source in Lamayuru. Sparsely populated by a few hardy Khampa nomads, the Zanskar range acts as a main buffer zone between the Himalayas and the Tibetan Pleteau at the ending portion that stoods in the Kinnaur region.
Climate
The arid climate of Zanskar mainly owes to its high elevation. Covered by heavy snowfalls between November and May, Zanskar has witnessed a scarce precipitation especially during the summer and autumn months. Strong winds blow across the Zanskari pleteau, and temperatures rarely rise above 15°C.
Flora and Fauna
Much of Zanskar vegetation is found in the lower reaches of the valleys, consisting of alpine and tundra vegetation. Crops including barley are grown by farmers in the lower elevations. Domesticated animals such as the yak are found in the region, provide the main source of food and transportation for the indigenious people.
History
Little was known of the history of Zanskar except for the fact that the first settlers, known as the Mon, came from the north. This was evidenced in the use of an petroglyphic script. The Dard subsequently came to settle in Zanskar in 200 B.C, bringing an archaic form of Indian Buddhism and Hinduism with them.
In the 7th century, Zanskar was overran by the Zhang Zhung kingdom of Tibet, bringing the first Tibetan people to Zanskar, which mainly comprised of the nomadic Khampa. They loosely adhered the Bön religion, which eventually got a foothold in Zanskar until the 10th century, when Tibetan Buddhism came to Zanskar from Tibet, mixing with elements of archaic Indian Buddhist beliefs. Monasteries such as Karsha and Phugtal are constructed around this era and served the lives of the Zanskari people.
Between the 10th century and 15th entury, Zanskar acted as a vassal state to Ladakh, often under the control of the members of the Ladakhi royal family. However, it was not until the 15th century did Ladakh exert greater control over Zanskar. However, the Raja of Kullu invaded Zanskar in 1822 and ruled Zanskar for a brief period of 20 years. The powers of the royal families were reduced to a near-nominal status by 1834.
With the formation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Zanskar was formally incoporated in 1842 under the control of the British, who later brought the first Christian missionaries to Ladakh. Border conflicts was non-existent until 1960, when China, Pakistan and India fought against one another for territory, closing off borders to the outside world until 1974.
Demographics
The local people of Zanskar are of primarily Dard descent, although Tibetan strains can be seen in many of the people. Owing to its high altitude, Zanskar hosts a population of 10,000, who largely consists of the scattered Khampa nomads. About 10% of the population is concentrated at Padum, with much of the remainder found in the villages of Karsha, Stongdey, Zangla and Sani.
The majorty of the people follow Tibetan Buddhism, influenced by Bön traditions. A sizeable Shia' minority can be found in Padum.
Tourism
Zanskar is closed to tourists between November and May owing to its heavy snowfall. However, one can visit the exquisite beauty of the towns of Panikhar, Padum and Karshar during the hotter months. Trekking is the best method to gain full access in Zanskar, although one may hire a jeep to drive on the mountain passes during the hotter months.
The most notable tourist regions is Padum, the traditional capital of Zanskar. One can visit the Starrimo monastery, which houses a population of thirty monks. A small boulder of Buddhist rocks in Padum dating back to the 8th century suggests that the area was under Indian Buddhist influence.
Another prime attraction is the Penzel-la, situated at an elevation of 4,200 m in the Penzella range which seperates Zanskar from the Suru Valley and Ladakh. Its high elevation enables the alpine vegetation to grow, where it serves as the grazing ground for the native Zanskari ponies. Other animals include Marmots and the Brown Bear.
References
- Crook J., Osmaston H., (1994): Himalayan Buddhist Villages: Environment, Resources, Society and Religious Life in Zangskar, Ladakh.: Bristol, University of Bristol U.K., 866 p.
- Dèzes, p. (1999): Tectonic and metamorphic Evolution of the Central Himalayan Domain in Southeast Zanskar (Kashmir, India). Mémoires de Géologie (Lausanne) No. 32.
- Osmaston H. (1994): The Geology, Geomorphology and Quaternary History of Zangskar, Himalayan Buddhist Villages: Environment, Resources, Society and Religious Life in Zangskar, Ladakh.: Bristol, University of Bristol U.K., p. 866.
- Snellgrove D.L. & Skorupsky T. (1980): The cultural heritage of Ladakh: Warminster, Aris and Phillips.